Council

ETAN

An hour later, they both sat at the large, oval table of Council. Housed in a massive room on the main floor of the Palace, walking into this space had almost brought Etan to his knees. This was where he remembered his father most—and at his most powerful. Yet Etan had entered stricken and never feeling weaker.

His father's council had already gathered and when he arrived, they made their vows of allegiance and fealty.

Then Etan introduced them to Ayleth and their eyes widened.

"I understand that this is a shock, but we are already married. She is already your Queen. I had hoped to announce this with much more joy and… pomp. But now I find we must turn our minds immediately to bringing her to the people and allowing them to love her too."