Aurelia's pause wasn't random—she had detected something. Her golden eyes flicked briefly toward one of the palace windows overlooking the garden. A pest, spying on their gathering. She didn't react overtly, merely shifted her gaze to Leon, who sat calmly across from her.
He knew, too, of course. The presence was far too weak to be a threat, barely worth acknowledging. Since Leon showed no concern, Aurelia decided to ignore it as well. If he wasn't bothered enough to act, then the spy could listen all they wanted.
Clearing her throat softly, Aurelia continued where she'd left off.
"You're all here because there are matters beyond this kingdom you must understand," she began, her golden eyes sweeping the table. "Loriel and I come from a place called the Higher Domain."
She paused, expecting gasps, widened eyes, perhaps even disbelief.
"You must have heard of the Middle Domain," she continued, "but it is not the end. Above it exists the Higher Domain, where true power resides."
