Isabella froze in astonishment.
The Empress patted her hand lightly, her gaze drifting toward the window, as though her thoughts had already moved far beyond the chamber.
"That boy Rhaegar," the Empress said slowly, "is proud to the bone—so certain that there is nothing in this world beyond his power. Yet he forgets… that this realm belongs to His Majesty."
She paused, her gaze distant.
"Let him kneel," she continued at length. "Let him kneel for a few days, and he will learn well enough whom he ought to marry."
She turned back to Isabella and, seeing her wan and shaken state, gave a soft sigh.
"Look at you—where now is that bold and gallant spirit you once carried?" she said, her tone gentler. "Remain here with me for the time being. When he comes to his senses, we shall speak of this again."
Isabella lowered her head obediently.
No one saw the fleeting glimmer that passed through her eyes.
Rhaegar knelt before the doors of the Imperial Study.
