"I will represent the crown," Elowen said at last, drawing herself up with undeniable majesty. She cast a brief, thoughtful look at Mikhailis, then returned her gaze to the map. "Mikhailis and I will attend the banquet."
Her final words hovered in the hush that followed, like an edict set into stone. In that moment, the hush of the chamber and the reverent colors flooding through the windows lent weight to her statement, making it feel almost historic. Mikhailis caught the slight flicker of relief—or was it regret?—in Estella's eyes, but in an instant, her face was composed again. No one argued the decision; it was clear that the queen had taken all angles into account.
