By the time Lilith and Atheline emerged from the underground prison, the Court had already begun moving; orders had been issued, messages delivered and arrests prepared.
The kingdom was entering what the intelligence service privately referred to as a cleansing operation. It was fast, decisive, and relentless.
Lilith had no intention of giving anyone time to react. If there were other conspirators, they would be caught before they could destroy evidence or flee.
The snow falling over the Court only helped. It made travel slower since roads became difficult and movement became visible. Anyone attempting to escape would immediately attract attention.
By late afternoon the throne room had filled with nobles. Every major house within the capital had received summons. Attendance was mandatory and refusal was impossible.
