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His gaze swept around the new space A backdrop on one wall showed the city of Artemisia and Earth off the horizon Two elaborate thrones sat before it

The rest of the roo equip Palace, but without any seats set up for journalists

Levana stood behind one of the thrones, her hands rested on its back She was dressed in a shi with a silver sash A brooch on the sash had a delicate gold filigree and rhinestones that read Princess Winter, Though Gone, Never Forgotten

Kai’s lips curled in disgust This bit of gossip, at least, had reached him in his captivity Princess Winter had beena jealous lover But after seeing the way Levana had snarled at her stepdaughter, Kai couldn’t help having his own theories

Thau with the red-haired captain of the guard An unfah Levana’shad happened

Kai planted his feet and shoved his hands into his pockets, hoping to come across as composed but for the sycophantic endearave hi to fake a

Which he hoped ht

"I was prouest," he said "I wish to hold counsel with Konn Torin and the rest of the Earthen delegates and to be allowed access to roam the palace and city We are not your prisoners"

"Unfortunately, I a into the back of her false throne "You are, however, going to helpup pieces of paper in varying tones of white "One moreyou with anything until you grant roohts to diploht those criminals into my home Sit down"

Kai experienced a heartbeat’s worth of defiance before his legs moved of their own accord and he collapsed into one of the thrones He glared at the queen

"I’ a time of cease-fire A citizen of the European Federation by the name of Scarlet Benoit I demand to know if there is any truth to these ruh "I assure you there is no Earthen prisoner by that nae and her state that Scarlet was dead? Or no longer in the palace? Or no longer in Arterabbed a veil from a mannequin’s head and draped it over herself Aimery stepped forward and settled the queen’s crown on her head When Levana turned back, her glarown accustootten how this blank veil had filled hi here?" Kai asked

"Fil a little video," came Levana’s voice "There has been soht it pertinent to rereat things you and I are going to accomplish once we are husband and wife"