My throne was uncomfortable as usual, but this time I didn't notice so much. Victory had a way of softening even the hard stone of the seat beneath me and after sparring with Mabel for a few hours, I didn't have the power to waste on cushioning my backside.

Just a few more details to hammer out before the real work began. Part of that work stood before me in open view in front of the badly shaken and now fearful court. They had so much more to look forward to. I couldn't wait. ...