Serena took the seat Charlotte had indicated, her cloak trailing behind her as she walked. Her back was straight, posture precise, every motion measured. She nodded once to Charlotte, who remained standing slightly behind her, hands folded at her front like a dutiful second.
Across from her, Riven's gaze had not left her face. For the first time since she had met him, the carefully practiced calm that usually cloaked his expression had slipped. His brows were drawn ever so slightly, eyes narrowed, not in suspicion, but calculation. The same way one might study a chessboard after discovering a hidden piece had been present all along.
The plan that Darius and the others had concocted was looking to be in their favour. Serena did not flinch, she nearly smiled even.
