Yettiri sits unusually quiet in the morning assembly, her expression impassive and face gaunt from sleepless nights. The ministers' voices, even her father's, blur into a distant hum, failing to pierce the fog shrouding her mind.
She's stopped attending the morning assemblies since Yetsune went missing. Now, after their heated argument, the King has made her attendance compulsory.
When the court disperses, she promptly exits the hall, disregarding the ministers who seek her audience. Sersi, who's been watching her, slips away from the King to pursue her.
"Your Highness," he calls, his pace quickening down the stairs.
Yettiri pays no heed to him until Sersi's gentle grasp on her elbow halts her. Her eyes dart to his hand, then meets his with a piercing glare. He instantly releases his hold.
"How've you been?" he asks, face etched with concern.
