The ministers frantically looked around. She was missing. Ever since the old Marquis had officially presented her as his heir, Heena had attended every single morning assembly. But because she rarely spoke unless absolutely necessary, remaining a silent, intimidating shadow by her grandfather's side, most of them hadn't even noticed her absence today. Those who had noticed simply assumed she was attending to her duties as the Royal Tutor or was perhaps resting, given the harsh demands placed on a female heir. They hadn't dared to make a fuss over it.
To arrive now, in the middle of a treason charge?
The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "Let her in."
When Heena stepped over the heavy wooden threshold, the temperature in the Great Hall seemed to plummet.
She walked gracefully, her posture impeccable, but her eyes... damn, her eyes made even the most battle-hardened military men in the room instinctively lower their gaze in fear.
