Ruelle heard the sound of the carriage arrive before she saw it.
"...well, it would cause trouble if the Belmonts decided to step away from the treaty," Carnifex remarked as he opened the door, his voice carrying the particular weariness of a man who had been roused from his fire and his books to deal with a child's midnight summons.
"I don't think it is that..." Lady Amelia murmured, fixing her expression to a stoic one as she followed her husband.
The Elder Minister hadn't removed his coat, snow dusting on his shoulders from the short walk between the carriage and stepping inside the mansion.
Daisy scrambled to her feet the moment the minister entered, offering a quick, nervous bow, her eyes fixed on the floor. Ruelle rose more slowly, her gaze steady.
"Take a seat," Lady Amelia urged them.
