Hajin limped in behind Seret while Helen's litter settled level beside the witness benches, right under seventy staring, silent peers. He kept the splint pinned against his chest as conversations died, walking slowly enough that every bandage did some talking.
Above the floor, Didi found him from the royal gallery and held his gaze without wavering.
A formal gown replaced the sleeping robe, though her attention kept dropping to the one working hand he still owned. Kenny sat among Flint retainers in clothes untouched by road, and his father, Lord Flint, gripped a cane beside him.
Hajin let his gaze slide over both of them before it stopped at the throne.
Moros stood beneath Atheron's dais with a scroll waiting above the registry, and he let Helen's bearers settle down first. The Grand Chancellor gave the witnesses their place, while the newly issued sword on Seret's belt stayed politely sheathed throughout.
