The council chamber was empty except for the five of them.
Aeron sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. Kael stood by the window, arms crossed, watching the door. Theron lounged in a chair, but his eyes were sharp, calculating. Seren sat beside Aeron, her hand resting on his under the table.
Elowen stood before them like a prisoner before a court. But her posture was not defeated. It was defiant.
"Say that again," Aeron said quietly.
"I said there is a plot to kill you." Elowen's voice was steady. "Minor nobles. Discontented with the charter. They've been meeting in secret for weeks. Their plan is to strike during the harvest festival, when security is stretched thin."
Kael turned from the window. "And did you know about this?"
"I have my own intelligence network. You knew that." Elowen's lip curled. "Or did you think I spent all my time in the east twiddling my thumbs?"
Theron leaned forward. "Who is involved?"
