CHAPTER 118
The council chamber was quieter than usual, though every seat was filled. Grace took her place at the high end of the table, her face composed, though inside her chest her heart hammered with the memory of Robert's gaze the night before. She forced her shoulders straight and kept her chin lifted, unwilling to let even a flicker of unease show.
Councillor Honest began the formal greetings, his voice as smooth as ever. "We are gathered to discuss the training cycles and the readiness of our men, though other matters weigh upon the kingdom."
The words were ordinary, but the weight behind them was not. Every elder's eyes carried unspoken questions. Was their King truly stable? Could he still lead?
Before any whispers could gain strength, Juliet rose from her seat at the far side of the chamber. Her movement was calm, deliberate, but enough to turn every gaze toward her.
