Light City, the Count's Castle.
Sunlight passed through the long, narrow stained-glass windows, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow on the floor of the council hall.
At the head of the long table, Diana Dawn sat with her back ramrod straight, her golden hair coiled at the nape of her neck, the picture of dignity and nobility.
A sheet of dragon-hide paper, enchanted with Magic Power, lay spread before her, the articles of the alliance inscribed upon it.
"Limited intelligence sharing, reciprocal tariffs, a defensive and offensive alliance..."
Old Baron Ansel read aloud, word by word, his voice echoing in the quiet hall.
Every vassal present held their breath, their gazes shifting back and forth between Diana and Velin, who stood at her side.
Diana picked up the quill, dipping its tip into the inkwell.
She didn't immediately put pen to paper, instead looking up at Velin.
Velin gave her a slight nod, signaling for her to proceed.
