Chapter 18
The Hall Chooses Sides
The final coronation began with hostages kneeling where nobles once stood. Venn demanded Elara accept sole sovereignty and order the witnesses silent.
Liora entered through the bride's door. Cael came through the diplomats' gate. Mara and Senna opened the laundry passages. Rowan's former deputy raised his sword against them.
Rowan spoke the deputy's childhood oath, reminding him it had been sworn to protect citizens, not crowns. The man lowered his weapon. Two guards followed, then twenty.
Venn seized Tavin and pressed the forged crown toward him.
Elara stepped onto the dais and offered her own head instead. The true crown flew from her wrist.
It stopped between mother and son, waiting for an owner.