Today marked another day of the conclave. It was also the second day Faye had to endure without Cassian by her side, especially after he had been the one to excuse himself from accompanying her.
The rest of the empire's nobles had already prepared themselves, like vultures circling helpless prey.
To them, Faye was nothing more than a naive noble putting on a brave front, a girl to be manipulated in hopes of earning the good graces of the legendary Duke Noctierre.
And they were well aware that the Duke himself was occupied in his capital, overseeing its defenses. To them, this was the perfect opportunity to prey on the Duke's fiancée.
Faye smoothed the front of her dress, a deep emerald green that Cassian had chosen for her before he left, and stepped through the towering doors of the conclave hall.
The room fell silent.
