A servant had just helped Phoenix down from the dark velvet carriage, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled courtyard floor as she made her way into the grand court. She was dressed in a flowing black and crimson gown that trailed behind her like a serpent’s tongue. Her neck was adorned with gold chokers, and her braided hair pinned high with ornaments that jingled softly as she walked. Her eyes were cold, and her face unreadable.

The guards and servants she passed lowered their ...