The tension in the war chamber back at the Summer Palace was thick enough to slice through with a dagger.
The weight of their conversation hung in the air like a heavy fog and every breath felt as though it could shatter the fragile trust they had just begun to build.
Casimir, Caroline, and Cyrus had just finished discussing their grim options for binding the Hollow King when a sudden voice broke the silence.
"I believe I can help with that."
All eyes turned to the door. Queen Arabella, draped in the deep, shadowy hues of her Autumn Court regalia, stepped into the room.
Her presence was commanding, her posture regal, but the cool detachment in her gaze gave nothing away. She had entered without ceremony, her sharp eyes assessing the three rulers before her.
Caroline stiffened at the sight of the Autumn Queen. Casimir's jaw clenched, though he managed to keep his composure. Cyrus merely raised an eyebrow, unsurprised.
