The chamber was smaller than Vencian expected. A private council room, windowless, lit by glyphlamps mounted on brass fixtures. The walls bore carved reliefs of past monarchs, their stone faces watching the table below.
King Valanoraths sat at the head, gray-haired and broad-shouldered, his presence filling the space without effort. To his left sat Duke Hadethon Dawnforge, dark-bearded and sharp-eyed. General Herrera occupied the right, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Chancellor Varethion sat further down, fingers steepled, his gaze calculating. Larion Marendil stood near the wall, hands clasped behind his back, face carefully neutral.
Seris sat across from Vencian, her posture perfect, her expression a mask of composed attention. She hadn't looked at him since they entered.
Vencian folded his hands in his lap and waited.
