The room was quiet for a moment.
Then Seraphine's assistant knocked and entered.
He crossed to Seraphine and handed her a document without speaking. His face was careful in the specific way of someone managing their own reaction.
Seraphine read it.
The room watched her read it.
Her expression didn't change. But something in her went very still.
She set the document on the table.
"Malachai has filed the Conclave Provision," she said.
Nobody spoke.
Eve looked at the document. Then at Seraphine. "What is that."
"An old law," Seraphine said. "Predates the faction system. A claimant to the throne can be required to demonstrate supernatural capability before the full Conclave before the formal hearing proceeds." A pause. "Publicly. Live. No documentation. No testimony." She held Eve's gaze. "Proof of power. In person."
"She can refuse," Damian said immediately.
"If she refuses it reads as concealment," Seraphine said. "On record. Before the hearing even begins."
