When they re-entered the inner sanctum, the torches had burned low, casting long, amber shadows across the heavy granite pillars of the bedroom. Gwen was resting against the high headboard of the royal bed, her face pale but composed, a thick wool blanket draped over her lap. Kaelen was absent, having returned to the lower battlements to coordinate the physical reinforcement of the inner gates with Vanya's engineering squads.
The heavy oak door closed softly behind Lucien and the young prince. Gwen lifted her head, her gold-rimmed amber eyes immediately finding her son's face. She didn't speak a reprimand; she simply opened her arms, her posture an open, unconditional invitation.
