The bishop wasn't blindly confident; he placed his faith in the strength of the five archmages assigned to guard him. Believing himself safe and free to accomplish the church's goal regardless of the queen's decision—that was his first mistake.
The door swung open, pulling him from his thoughts. His gaze shifted toward it, and he drew in a deep breath, momentarily dazed by the woman's beauty.
He sat in a daze, watching Elora ascend the throne and take her seat. The others bowed slightly in greeting to show respect, but only he remained seated, gazing with a look almost dripping with desire—his second mistake.
Elora slightly frowned, tilting her head to the side as she scrutinized the middle-aged man in a bishop's robes.
'Does the church lack people with brains, or do they simply not take my words seriously?' Elora thought, turning her gaze away. Every second she lingered on him, she feared her eyes might be tainted.
