The doors to the grand council chamber eased open, revealing a high ceiling and tall windows draped in gold. Inside, King Darius and Queen Caelia were already seated on the right side of the carved round table, while Arabelle sat gracefully beside them, surrounded by her handmaidens.
Footsteps sounded from the corridor, and then the doors swung fully wide. Mathien entered first—composed, immaculate, his cloak trailing perfectly across the marble floor. Behind him, Hana followed a single step back, her gloved hands pinching the hem of her skirt to lift it slightly so it wouldn't drag.
But as Mathien crossed the threshold, he halted.
Hana stopped as well.
Mathien turned a fraction, without truly looking back. "Wait here," he said, flatly.
Hana dipped her head. "Yes."
Then Mathien stepped inside, and the doors closed softly behind him.
