The throne room was quiet when Elaine arrived.
The pillars of pale stone gleamed beneath enchanted torchlight, and the great windows reflected only darkness. No court. No witnesses.
King Helios stood alone before the dais, his back to her, hands clasped behind him.
"You took your time," he said calmly.
Elaine dropped to one knee at once. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Lord Cassius suffers......."
"Is suffering," Helios finished for her. "Yes. I am aware."
Elaine's head snapped up. "You felt it."
"I felt her," King Helios corrected.
He turned then, blue eyes sharp as blades. For a heartbeat, Elaine had the strange, disquieting sense that her intentions were being weighed, she watched him warily.
"You should choose your next words very carefully," Helios said. "They will decide whether I allow Cassius to live… or finally put an end to a problem that has haunted this court for decades."
Elaine swallowed. "Candice sent me."
Something flickered. Gone as quickly as it came.
