Lyanna continued walking normally, but her mind was racing.
Cassius had allies who were even ready to dethrone Azrael if necessary, which made this whole succession crisis even more serious. Their refusal to consider political courtship was being seen as a weakness rather than a strength.
In the evening, when she returned to her chambers, she had thought about the situation from every possible angle.
She had concluded that Cassius had an upper hand. The question of succession gave him legitimate grounds to question Azrael's leadership, and their refusal to consider traditional solutions looked like personal stubbornness rather than a principled stand.
Removing a king who couldn't provide an heir had historical precedent in vampire society. She knew reporting him to Azrael would need solid proof and they had none. They were trapped.
Azrael entered the chambers shortly after sunset, looking exhausted.
"How was your day?" He asked while pouring them both some blood wine.
