Midday light streamed through the seven great windows of the Imperial Chamber, each ray illuminating its corresponding throne in perfect symmetry. The Seven Monarchs' thrones remained in their perfect circle, now empty of the transformed presence that had dominated the previous day's proceedings. Outside, dark clouds gathered on the horizon, their distant shapes mirroring the tension that permeated the ancient chamber.
"He refused to attend?" The Lightning Queen's static crown crackled with agitation as she took her position. "Or was he not invited?"
"I extended an invitation," Roman replied, frost patterns spreading subtly around his ice throne. "Klaus made it clear he considers further proceedings... irrelevant to his concerns."
"Irrelevant?" The Flame King's crown flared with renewed indignation, though noticeably dimmer than his previous display. "After yesterday's performance, he dismisses us as irrelevant?"
