I remained sunk in whirling thoughts mixed with nectar need, the Planeless, my cousin's boldness and the image of Elph's smiling face when I entered my private quarters to the sound of arguing.
Pagomaris spun as I crossed the threshold, Sequoia falling behind me, my aide's face dark red with anger. She dipped a deep curtsy while Henemordonin, his large bulk dominating the room and, from the looks of things, trying to bully Pagomaris, loomed and scowled.
"Ruler," my aide said in a voice shaking with emotion. "Forgive me, but he would not leave when requested."
"I am Second Seat," he roared at her as she cowered briefly, but refused to give ground. "You do not order me."
I was used to him yelling and had spent years learning to fear it when he raised his voice to me. But so much had happ
