Nathan's voice cut through the heavy silence of the council chamber.
"Not you, Semiramis."
Semiramis froze mid-step, the soft click of her heeled boots halting instantly. The other commanders—Megara included—did not need to be told twice. They exchanged quick, knowing glances, cheeks flushing in varying shades of embarrassment and anticipation, before hurrying toward the massive double doors. Megara's face burned brightest of all, scarlet creeping down her neck as she practically fled, the heavy oak slamming shut behind the last of them with a resonant thud that echoed through the vaulted room.
Now it was only the two of them.
The council table still bore the scattered parchments and maps of the morning's interminable meeting. Sunlight slanted through the tall arched windows in golden bars, catching motes of dust and painting Semiramis's crimson hair in molten fire.
