Ellora arrived.
The Crown Prince sat at the head of the table, his posture composed, his attention fixed upon the ministers gathered before him. Though he did not turn at once, Ellora knew he was aware of her presence. He always was.
She entered beside Amellia, her steps measured, her expression calm.
Without hesitation, Ellora moved toward the seat prepared for her.
It was positioned with care, slightly elevated, set apart from the Crown Prince's chair. A place that carried meaning rather than intimacy. Not beside him, but acknowledged. The seat of the Crown Princess.
Ellora sat.
Only then did Amellia take her place.
She chose a chair far closer to the Crown Prince than propriety allowed. Not among the attendants. Not behind the advisors. It was a position that suggested familiarity without permission.
Conversation softened, then ceased altogether.
Ellora lowered her gaze briefly. She had no need to look again. The arrangement was already clear to her.
After a moment that stretched longer than courtesy required, an elderly minister inclined his head.
"Your Highness," he said carefully, his tone respectful, "there appears to be some confusion regarding today's seating."
The Crown Prince's expression cooled at once.
"There is no confusion," he replied. "She sits where I have instructed."
The words fell with quiet authority.
No explanation followed. None was offered.
Only then did Amellia react.
"Forgive me, Your Highness Ellora," she said softly. "I never intended to cause confusion. I merely followed the instructions I was given."
Her eyes lowered, lashes casting faint shadows against her cheeks.
"I would never presume otherwise."
Ellora watched in silence.
The Crown Prince's gaze sharpened.
"There is no fault to be found," he said evenly. "Lady Amellia acted according to my order."
He turned slightly toward the table.
"The arrangement stands."
The words settled heavily across the chamber.
Amellia inclined her head once more, a picture of quiet compliance. As she resumed her seat, her hand lifted briefly to her cheek, as though steadying herself.
A smile touched her lips.
Small. Fleeting.
Ellora saw it.
The Crown Prince continued, his tone unchanged.
"There is no need for further discussion."
Silence followed.
No one challenged him.
Ellora felt the weight of the moment press gently against her ribs. Not pain. Not anger. Something colder.
Understanding.
She inclined her head, just enough to acknowledge his words.
"Very well," she said. "Then I trust the court will be informed accordingly, so such matters do not invite confusion again."
Her voice was steady.
Her meaning unmistakable.
The elderly minister bowed. "Of course, Your Highness."
The conference resumed.
Yet something had shifted.
Ellora listened as discussions continued, aware of the glances cast her way, of the unspoken comparisons already forming. She did not look toward Amellia again.
She did not need to.
The message had been delivered.
And received.