I followed Dad and my grandfather, Meira between them, Belkni gliding on the far side, to the back of the throne room and a private elevator I'd not seen before.

Ram stepped from the shadows, bowing to Dad. "Ruler," he said with great respect.

"Rameranselot," Dad said. "Mother told me about you." My father glanced at me before returning his attention to Ram. "I take it your loyalty is not in question?"

"Never, Ruler," Ram said, vibrating with tension.

"I ...