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Sasha and Jayhan had just bought two sticks each of freshly grilled lamb pieces from one of the little food stalls when they heard trumpets. They turned to face the sound and realized that people on the eastern side of the plateau were moving aside to provide egress for the arrival of the Queen.
Sasha’s stomach turned over and she lost her hold on her meat sticks. Beneath her, the ground shuddered. Jayhan grabbed the sticks before they fell and handed them back to her without comment, careful not to touch her and amplify her power before they were ready.
Around them, everyone was straining to catch a glimpse of the Queen. Once she reached the plateau, Toriana rode slowly, controlling her horse in a high-stepping walk. She waved to the crowds on either side of her as she and her horse
