/-Maleek-/

Princess Sarai arrived the next day, looking simultaneously defiant and terrified.

She was heavily pregnant now, her belly prominent beneath traveling clothes. Christoph was with her, looking protective and uncomfortable in equal measure.

"I don't want to be here," Sarai said immediately when we met in a private chamber. "I don't want to testify. I don't want to acknowledge anything publicly."

"You don't have a choice," Draven said flatly. "The High Council has issued a summons. ...