"You've spent six years judging a dead man for choosing his daughter over a throne, while I have spent my life trying to deserve that." Serena's voice was even. "I walked through your borders, past your warriors, and into this room. I announced myself and asked for an audience. Do not ask me to apologize for a man who died protecting me. I won't."
Behind her, eight people stood in silence wearing different expressions. Dex's eyes hadn't left her back. His chest rose once, held, and didn't fall. Fin's chin had lifted. Hale's steady hand on Avalon. Elara's trembling exhale. Gav's silence. Hyran's rigid posture. Even Maelor, who had something to say about everything, had nothing.
The queen broke the silence. "If I demanded you renounce Drakenfell, and kneel only to Aevamorra Vyracarum, would your wolves allow it?"
"My loyalty is not a chain to be broken on command," Serena answered. "It is earned, as Drakenfell earned mine."
