The morning after the quiet hours, Theron woke before dawn.
He slipped out of bed without disturbing the others. Seren was curled against Kael's chest. Aeron had migrated to the edge, one hand still reaching toward her. They looked peaceful. Vulnerable. Everything Theron could not afford to be.
He dressed in silence and walked to his private study.
The list on his desk contained seventeen names. Conservative nobles who had voted against the charter. Nobles who had attended Vesper's protest. Nobles who needed to be persuaded; or neutralized, before the coronation.
Theron picked up the first name and smiled.
Lord Halden would be first.
.
.
The dinner was held in Theron's private dining room; small, intimate, far from the formality of the great hall. Fine wine. Excellent food. A fire crackling in the hearth.
