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signs of her approaching estrous would be, instructing her to call if she needed anything. They then said their goodbyes.

The queen took Sasha’s hand and drew her out into the hall and up the stairs leading to the big room. The full force of her entourage followed behind them, a quiet procession of pomp and haughtiness.

The queen's visit was not unexpected, Sasha realized. The drapery and crystals that hung from the ceiling were missing. The platform couch was absent, replaced by short tea table and cushioned seating. The room felt sobered.

Kane had barely spoken about the night Sasha saw him here other than making a vague, angry reference. She did not know if he’d visited since then. From the feel of the room and the look on the faces of the five gathered ladies, it looked as though he had not.

The women were with betas dressed in fine business attire standing behind them. The representatives wore the wide, flat neck vestments common to law scribes.

Sasha noticed that Annalise had three of her own betas with a similar white satin ribbon draped over their necks. The jewels and their representatives wore matching smiles of respect as they acknowledged the queen.

"King's Bride, Queen Annalise," Bella said. She dipped a bow that everyone else copied.

Sasha internally winced. She hadn't known to bow.

"Ladies, let's sit for this conversation."