The sun was setting over the Capital of Aethelgard. It bathed the spires of the Imperial Palace in a deep and bruising purple light. The riots in the lower districts had quelled. The news of the Arena trial had spread faster than fire in dry grass. The Guild was broken. The Chimera had bowed. The Sun King had risen.
Valeria stood in the center of the Throne Room. The space was vast. It was a cavern of white marble and gold leaf designed to make anyone standing in it feel small. But Valeria did not feel small. She felt heavy. Her satchel was full of the signed decrees that Duke Garius had spent the last six hours negotiating with the terrified High Council.
Kael stood beside her. He had removed his helmet. His golden hair was tied back, and his armor was cleaned of the arena dust. The Chimera sat at his heels. The massive beast was surprisingly calm. It watched the Royal Guards with lazy blue eyes, its snake tail coiled neatly around its paws like a sleeping pet.
