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The Summit reconvenes at midday.
I dress carefully for the first time since arriving at this hall. No more charcoal jackets and borrowed trousers. The Keepers sent something with me from the sanctuary — a gown of deep amber silk, the color of my eyes, embroidered with threads of silver and gold intertwined. Hybrid colors. Eliara's colors.
"I don't know if I can wear this," I told Soren when I unwrapped it.
"You can," he said. "You've been wearing borrowed clothes your whole life. It's time to wear your own."
So I wear it. The silk settles against my skin like armor. The silver-gold embroidery catches the light. When I look in the mirror, I see someone I almost recognize. Not a stain. Not a half-breed. Not a curiosity.
A queen. Or the beginning of one.
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The great hall is full
