Queen Seraphira stood by the tall arched window of her quarters, her hands folded behind her back, listening in silence to the High Treasurer.
The High Treasurer adjusted the stack of parchment in his hands. "Your Majesty, if this continues, the royal coffers will run dry long before recovery is possible."
He laid the reports on the marble table between them. Then broke down the situation to the queen. "The western wing of the palace, the closest to the scene, collapsed. The shock wave cracked the supporting arches and ripped through the foundation. Three levels are unsalvageable."
"Great," Seraphira sighed, scratching the side of her temple. She could already feel a headache brewing.
The treasurer paused on purpose as if giving her respite, then continued, "And that is only the palace."
He turned a page.
