THE COLD FRONT
The sun came up, but it didn't feel like a new day. It felt like the continuation of a long, bad dream. I hadn't slept more than an hour. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Selene’s pale face and her sharp, pointing finger.
I stayed in my tent until the shadows grew short. I kept waiting for Demetrius to come in, to tell me he was sorry for how things ended last night, or just to hold me without saying anything. But he didn't come. Instead, a young messenger stood outside my flap.
"The King requests your presence at the assembly, My Lady," the boy said. He wouldn't look me in the eye. He stared at his own feet.
"The assembly?" I asked, my heart hammering. "Now?"
"Yes, My Lady. Everyone is gathering."
I smoothed out my tunic. It was wrinkled, and I felt small. I walked
