Emerald met Lucien in the hallway just outside the council chamber. He was already waiting, dressed in his usual muted black and charcoal attire, hands clasped behind his back like a statue carved from stone.
"You're late," he murmured.
"You're early," she replied.
His gaze flickered toward the chamber doors. "You don't have to do this."
"I'm not doing it for you." She stepped closer. "I'm doing it for the people. And maybe a little for me, because I'm sick of walking around wondering who's trying to kill us."
Lucien gave a short nod, then held out his hand.
She didn't hesitate to take it.
They entered together, side by side.
The chamber was shaped like a half-circle, with stone walls that had narrow windows. Eight council members were seated in ornate chairs along the curved wall. As soon as Emerald walked in, all conversation came to a halt.
She moved toward the long stone table and calmly took her place at Lucien's right.
There was a beat of silence.
