"I'm very sorry for the cruel words you had to endure, Baroness Verhen." King Meron cupped Kamila's right hand. "Know that the Crown shares no such thought and that we consider both you and your daughter precious members of this Court.
"No one will be allowed to harass either of you without paying the price. You have my word."
"Thanks, Your Majesty." Kamila gave him a deep bow while bringing his fingers to her forehead.
The Gala resumed and those who had offended Ryssa or Zinya in the past now took care to keep their mouths shut and make themselves invisible. They were afraid that Marth or Vastor, if not both, would call for another Blood Judgment now that the Crown had made its standing on the matter clear.
"Way to go, Kami." Zinya said. "I didn't think you had it in you."
