New Consort.

The sun shone brightly over the Forgotten Court. The people went about their day, and within the palace, Kora had gotten into her role as a servant. She attended to the Western Tower and took care of the cleaning. 

As she worked, she listened to the chatter—the constant belittling and outright casting and pointing of fingers—but she said nothing. She concentrated on her work and attended to her baby when the need arose.

Within the Western Tower, Elias and Lior slept a little longer. The baby had only gotten decent sleep when he returned, and so did his daddy. But his papa could not sleep—not when he had been gone for two days and the council was already demanding answers. 

Rowan was tired, his sight strained, and his body ached for rest, but he marched into the throne room tall and unwavering. His mother and the rest were all present. Theron, who barely slept, yawned a little, and his mother cast him a nasty look.