The following morning, the council chamber was already occupied by ministers, advisers and members of both delegations by the time Rosalind entered alongside Marek and Nathan.
Sunlight filtered through the tall windows and stretched across the polished floor while servants moved quietly around the edges of the room, placing documents and fresh ink before retreating to their positions.
Rosalind took her seat without drawing attention to herself, although she could already feel Rowan's presence from the head of the table.
When she finally looked up, their eyes met briefly before both of them returned their attention to the gathering.
Nothing about either of them suggested that they had spent part of the previous night alone in the garden, and yet Rosalind was painfully aware of him.
Once everyone had settled, Rowan began calmly "Thank you all for attending,"
