As everyone began taking their places one by one, the usual seating order unfolded almost on instinct. The seat nearest to the Empress had always been reserved for the *true* emperor consort—the one recognized as the "father of the kingdom."
Only, in this empire, that seat was empty.
The original Celeste had been viciously smart. She had given these five men the title of consort, yes, but never the real position of husband. No emperor consort, no official "main" partner. The seat beside her might look like a privilege, but in the records it belonged to no one. It was a throne's *trap*, not a reward.
Still, in practice, hierarchy filled the gap.
As there was no emperor consort, Kieran—as crown prince, northern commander, and the man with the highest status—naturally took the place at Heena's right. On her left, Duke Adrian settled in, shuffling papers even now, while Lucian, Raphael, and Damien filled in according to rank down the table.
