Eliora blinked. "Maelina."
"I do," Maelina cut in gently. "I pushed you. I spoke to you as though fear was a weakness you needed to outgrow."
She straightened. "I was thinking of the kingdom, of what could go wrong. But I forgot that you are still human. You didn't grow up knowing this world or its rules."
Eliora nodded slowly. "I understand. Or… I'm starting to."
She gave a small, tired smile. "Though that doesn't make it easier."
"No," Maelina said. "It doesn't, and I'm sorry for that."
"It's fine."
Maelina studied her for a moment, then nodded. "All right."
She turned to the others. "We can begin."
Eliora moved to her seat and sat.
Maelina faced her again. "Today's lesson will be about your coronation."
Eliora frowned. "My coronation?"
"Yes," Nora said.
Eliora hesitated. "Is that still needed?"
The room reacted at once. A few of the seers exchanged looks. Maelina raised a brow.
