Victoria's stomach dropped as they began to descend the steps from her tower. Every available agent in the fort seemed to be lined on either side of the hall as far as she could see. They dropped down to one knee as she passed before falling in line behind the Elitre. At a slow pace, their procession made their way to the courtyard.

Over the course of the day, the place had been cleaned up dramatically. The grass had been cut, and the tables and chairs were arranged along a central aisle. Those of ...