The corridor smelled of lavender and cold iron.
The Lycan knocked once.
The chamberlain opened the door. "She's waiting."
Inside, Queen Maravelle stood still. She did not turn when he entered. Instead, she lifted one gloved hand, fingers open and stood waiting.
"Well?" she asked.
"It is done," the Lycan said, placing a folded parchment into her waiting hand.
"Good," she said smiling to herself.
In the other part of the castle. Mira was preparing Liam for the morning.
She crouched beside him, straightening the collar of his tunic with practiced fingers. The boy yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes as she combed through his unruly hair.
"There," she smiled, tucking the last strand behind his ear. "Handsome enough to charm the palace guards, I'd say."
Liam gave a half-hearted grin. "Is Lara coming for breakfast today?"
Mira hesitated, her hands stilling. "She had to go somewhere... with the King. Important grown-up things."
"Is she okay?" he asked, eyes suddenly wary.
