The dangerous silence stretched for a few more seconds, until Kael broke it.
"So, Elayne," he said, his voice calm, almost casual, "if all this works out… if you really do get the throne… what do you want?"
She blinked once.
It wasn't surprise. It wasn't hesitation. It was almost… boredom.
Elayne walked to the empty chair and sat down without asking permission, crossing one leg over the other in a way that was too relaxed for someone who was, in practice, being evaluated. She picked up Hella's wine glass unceremoniously, smelled the contents, and returned it to the table without drinking.
"Honestly?" she replied. "There's not much to think about."
Kael tilted his head slightly, intrigued.
"Everyone who wants a throne usually has a huge list of ambitions," he commented. "Reforms, glory, legacy, a name in history."
Elayne shrugged.
"That's something someone who wants to be remembered would do," she said. "I just want to stop one thing."
