The summons from the Seraphim Court arrived via official courier three days after the virtual pack meeting incident.
Eve read the elegantly scripted invitation, more command than request....and felt something tighten in her chest.
The Conclave requests Your Majesty's presence for the quarterly review session. Three days hence. Attendance mandatory for all ruling monarchs.
"Mandatory," Eve said aloud, showing the letter to Damian. "They're not even pretending it's optional."
Damian scanned the contents, his expression darkening. "They have no authority to mandate your attendance. You're their Queen, not their subject."
"Technically the reform established quarterly check-ins as required for all faction leaders, including the crown." Eve sighed. "They're just enforcing the rules we all agreed to."
"Still don't like the tone." Damon appeared over her shoulder, reading the invitation. "Sounds like they're trying to assert authority over you."
