She stood up, composing herself.
"Besides," she added, "I don't have fifty more portraits to sacrifice. And I actually need the council to function occasionally, not just provide entertainment."
"Understandable, Your Majesty."
"Now," Heena said, "I have actual work to do. Real work. The kind that doesn't involve ink-covered nobles and chandelier acrobatics."
"The pregnancy scandal investigation reports are ready for your review," Secretary Chen said, pulling out a thick stack of documents.
Heena sighed. "Right. Back to normal disasters."
But as she settled in to review the reports, she couldn't help the small smile that remained on her face.
Because today—today had been 'perfect'.
Chaotic, ridiculous, completely undignified, and absolutely perfect.
And somewhere in the palace, Lord Pemberton was probably telling everyone who'd listen about how he'd won the Great Council Chamber Battle by climbing a chandelier.
Which, honestly, he deserved to brag about.
