Lyanna stood just inside the door of the private study, wearing the blue gown Azrael had selected. She'd barely had time to compose herself after their garden confrontation before Clara had arrived to dress her, to paint her face, and to style her hair for the council meeting with Lord Richard and Lady Sylvia.
The room was already packed when she entered. Lord Richard was sitting in one of the chairs near Azrael's desk. Sylvia stood behind her father's chair; she smiled when she saw Lyanna, a silent reminder of their garden encounter.
The inner council was present as well. Lord Adrian stood near the window, Lady Helena sat in a chair near the fireplace, Lord Victor lurked in the shadows near the bookshelves, watching everything.
Azrael sat behind his desk, looking at Lyanna with his intense eyes when she entered. They hadn't spoken since the garden episode.
