••{RHIANNON'S POV}••
"As you already know, Darkholme is the imperial seat of the Empire of Night," Seraphine says.
She walks slowly around Azræl's war table as she speaks.
"The laws that every citizen in the empire abides by are formed and passed by whoever sits on the throne of Darkholme," she continues. "And no kingdom in the empire commands an army larger than ours. Its forces outnumber the armies of any three kingdoms combined."
Her eyes lift to mine.
"And it is the only kingdom permitted to house witches."
My gaze flicks to Nayeesha at once.
Seraphine goes on before I can say anything.
"When witches fled the purges and sought refuge here, Ærion Bloodbourne made a decree forbidding any king, queen, or vassal house from keeping them," she says. "By imperial law, any ruler found housing witches is sentenced to death."
Azeria leans back in her chair, her expression unreadable.
