Behind her, Elara curtsied without hesitation. Hale inclined his head. Dex and Fin both offered the measured bow of kings greeting equals, precise and unhurried.
Gav glanced at Hale, received a look that said just bow, and bowed.
The three mages followed, though Maelor's bow had the energy of a man who was only bowing because the architecture had already humbled him.
The queen rose slowly.
Her steps were nearly soundless as she circled Serena, examining her with the precision of a general studying a battlefield.
She spoke sharply in Morbian Vellum to the king, the cadence clipped, assessing, devoid of warmth.
Fin's jaw flexed. Dex shifted his weight, barely perceptible.
Serena remained still. Composed. Warm.
When she responded in Morbian Vellum, her tone sounded respectful and steady. She spoke the way you speak to someone you intend to honor, not someone you're afraid of.
The queen's expression remained stone. Almost an expression of malice. Almost dislike.
