The pavilion erupted into absolute chaos. Ministers shouted, women screamed, and the aristocratic faction drew their ceremonial daggers, pointing them furiously at the woman standing alone on the jade stage.
But Heena did not flinch. She did not step back.
She slowly raised her hand, lifting two fingers into the air.
CLANG.
The massive, towering cedar doors of the Grand Pavilion slammed shut with a force that shook the ceiling dust loose. The heavy iron locking beams fell into place with a deafening, metallic crash, sealing the entire court inside.
Before the Assistant Prime Minister could scream for the palace guards, the shadows of the pavilion came alive.
