My throne was hard under me, the weight I'd lost to the nectar nightmare I'd endured most telling. Ahbi kindly built a cushion of power, shielding me from the worst of it, but I could still feel the chill seeping into my bones.

As I stared over the gathered court, I thought of my sister and wished I could join her. Be anywhere but here, glowering at the family who brought me so low. She'd come to see me before I convened this morning, with no real news.

"We tried to ...