Elara read the note carefully. So Sera had used a different name before becoming Third Princess. "Sera" was probably her birth name, before she'd been brought to the palace and given the imperial name Sera.
Interesting personal detail, but strategically irrelevant.
What mattered was Eleana's meeting request.
Duke Romian was immediately opposed. "Don't go. It's a trap. She's cornered and desperate. She'll try to kill you or kidnap you or something equally stupid."
"Probably. But I need to understand what she's planning. Cornered enemies are unpredictable. Better to confront her in controlled circumstances than let her spiral into uncontrolled desperation."
"What controlled circumstances? She could have assassins, poison, magic—"
"Which is why I'll bring overwhelming security and insist on neutral location." Elara started writing her response. "Imperial gardens, east pavilion. Public enough that overt violence is impossible. Private enough for genuine conversation."
