Sera found the training field near sunset. She had not been looking for Valerius. That was the important part.
She had left the Court because the air had become too crowded with whispers, and because Delara was busy threatening Council observers with ash, and because Silas had been drawn into a grim conversation with Lady Maire Vale after the old woman finally arrived under blood witness, wearing rings on every finger and an expression that suggested death would apologize before inconveniencing her. Sera had meant to walk the western corridor, count exits, and perhaps find a place where no one had used the word queen in the last hour.
Instead, she followed the bond.
Not intentionally.
It was simply there, quieter than usual but not hidden, a dark-gold thread leading away from the Court
