She couldn't maintain the lie under Maelor's unblinking, sovereign stare.
The air in the room was growing impossibly hot, the scent of iron suffocating her senses.
"Enough of this," Morvana gasped, pressing her trembling palms against her temples as she stumbled back toward the dais. "I am unwell. The stress of this horror... the fumes of this slaughter... I feel faint."
She snapped her gaze toward the line of white-armored guards standing along the right balustrade.
"Guards!" she shrieked, waving her hand with frantic, royal authority. "Escort me to the royal chambers immediately! Clear this hall and seize that human!"
Two guards in pristine white articulated armor stepped forward from the line.
Their boots made no sound against the marble. They moved with terrifying, fluid synchronization, closing the distance to the dais before she could take another breath.
Morvana let out a sharp, relieved breath, extending her arm to allow the vanguard to flank her.
