Elara's POV

Mira woke me before dawn with a tray of food I had no appetite for and a dress even more elaborate than yesterday's. Deep burgundy silk with black lace and silver threading that caught the light when I moved.

"Her Majesty prefers formal dress at court," Mira explained as she helped me into it. "First impressions matter greatly to the Queen Mother."

My hands shook as she fastened the buttons. I had faced Kaelen's rage and survived the Blood Hunt and fought in the Pit but ...