Chapter 14

Both of her councilmen were present, seated at the long oaken table. Herkuan, her closest advisor, was present. His expression was the weariest of the two. Demetrius’ face bore varying degrees of shock and discomfort at her arrival. She saw no malice there, only the shadows of fatigue.

The gilded chair where Arkon had once sat was empty. Thea held her head high and strode over to it before taking her seat. She turned her piercing gaze onto the men. “Where is the diplomat?”

Demetrius cleared his throat. He was wearing a red robe with a gold sash.Dressed like royalty. Perhaps this power has gone to his head. His dark black beard framed his jaw but did not grow far past his chin. “My queen, we didn’t expect you to be finished with your work so soon.”

“I asked you a question.” She snapped. “Where is he?”

Demetrius appeared to be embarrassed by her angry tone. “He will be arriving shortly. We were just trying to prepare what we would say.”