Nearly everyone held their breaths in anticipation of how Queen Heloise would respond. Hilde's senses tingled; she expected an attack and primed herself for it, not even daring to take her attention away from her sister to see what other people's reactions were. She couldn't afford to.
Recalling himself first, the Royal Officiate cleared his throat, thanked the Lord General, and—with admirable composure—called next and last on the Queen.
She rose. With the ease that came from decades of practice, she broke into the tense silence. In her voice, there was nothing but calm reason and gentle understanding.
"…I have experienced the loss of both parents," she began slowly. Turning slightly, she nodded at Lady Ilse before continuing, "I have been pierced by the loss of a beloved uncle… And tho
