They came back quiet.
Kael rode up to the main gate and the guards snapped to attention. People already knew something big was happening. News travels fast in a pack.
Lyria dismounted and felt every ache from the night. She kept expecting to wake up and find it all a dream. It did not happen.
Kael led her through the estate. They did not stop. No one blocked them or offered tea or a bed. They went straight to the east wing where his mother was waiting.
She was in the sitting room. She had a cup in her hand and she looked like she had been waiting for a long time.
"You dragged me into this," she said without standing. Her voice was calm.
Kael shut the door behind them. He did not take a breath. "The Council wants answers," he said. "They want you at the Summit at dawn."
She blinked once. "Dawn? Bold of them."
"They will take Lyria if you refuse," Kael said.
His mother's face changed.
"You don't order me," she said.
