The knock came just after dawn loud enough that it woke Lyra from sleep, he sat up slowly, clutching the fur blanket around her shoulders as Eira walked across the floor to open the door.

“What is it?” Eira’s voice was low but brisk, the tone she always used with strangers.

“His Majesty requests Lady Lyra’s presence in the council chamber. She is to be ready within the hour.” A man answered from the hallway, his words clipped but respectful.

Lyra’s stomach twisted. A council ...