So it begins already! Alcestis thought. But she calmly and graciously ignored the obeisance and, while the northern queen was down, she stepped up and seated herself on the empty throne.
After a moment’s hesitation, Liel offered his throne to Bladud. It was the custom, after all, that the visiting High King should take precedence in everything over the local monarch. Before he took his place Bladud embraced his brother. Liel responded without warmth.
There was a disturbance at the entrance as the young Prince Lear came bustling in. He still wore his hunting clothes, somewhat mud-bespattered, and was complaining loudly that he had not been informed of the arrival. The face of Alcestis lit up when she saw him, and it was to her he went first, kneeling at her feet and kissing her hand with
