The transfer of power in Arindale did not happen with a bloody siege or the ringing of war bells. It happened with the frantic, terrified scratching of three hundred aristocratic quills rewriting their allegiances.
Within an hour of the Emperor abandoning the Sun-Throne, the Great Hall was cleared of the Jubilee decorations. The white peacocks were banished to the lower gardens by a highly stressed detachment of the Vanguard. The champagne fountains were drained.
Aeron did not take his father's gilded chair immediately. He stood at the foot of the dais, his arm still wrapped firmly around Kaia's waist, while the High Council lined up to swear fealty.
Lord Danvers, the Master of Coin, approached, trembling so violently his medals jingled. He dropped to both knees.
"Your Majesty," Danvers squeaked, bowing his head to the marble floor. "The treasury... stands ready to serve the new King."
