Page 162 of The Throne's Undoing

"Kalisandre's presence has been requested as well," the woman said, cutting him off.

Graeson arched a brow. "How did you--" He began but was unable to finish the question.

The guard rolled her eyes. "The walls speak."

"The walls?"

The woman hummed, her cheeks flushing bright red in the torch's flickering light in her hand. "One of the guards saw her leave her room and come here."

Graeson rolled his eyes at the lack of privacy. "And this cannot wait?"

"No, sir."

He brushed a hand through his hair and sighed. "Very well. We'll be there in a moment."

With that, Graeson shut the door. As he padded back over to the bed, Kalisandre's eyes fluttered open.

Through a sleepy gaze, she asked, "Who was it?"

"A guard," he said as the bed sank beneath him slightly.

"What did they want?" Her voice was so soft and light that he did not wish to ruin it and admit that this bubble of theirs had officially burst.

"Our presence has been requested," Graeson said. "Apparently, we have visitors."

The sleep evaporated from Kalisandre's eyes in an instant as she stared up at him, processing his words.

"Did they say who?"

Graeson shook his head.

As the two looked at each other, an unspoken question hung between them. Because if they had not been expecting anyone but their presence had been requested, only a few options were feasible.

Chapter 55

KALLIE

Kallie stood beside Graeson,her gaze scanning the faces in the throne room. When the two of them arrived, everyone had already been waiting, including the queen.

Wearing a black satin robe tied around her waist, Cetia sat on her throne. Thin feathers lined the collar and cuffs of the elegant robe. Every time she made even the slightest movement, the feathers danced in the air. Her straight, raven-black hair flowed over her shoulders. Despite the late hour, the queen looked as regal as ever. The tension was taut as the queen tapped her sharp nails along the right arm of the throne.

The guard standing to the queen's right took a step forward and announced, "Graeson Osiros and Kalisandre Nadarean, Your Majesty."

Kallie stumbled as the guard said her name, a name she had no right to bear.

An awkward silence slipped through the room as everyone else registered it as well. Dani, who stood beside Terin, rolled her hands into tightly clenched fists as her jaw muscles popped.

Sensing the change in the room, Graeson squeezed Kallie's hand, and she let his presence ground her.

"Nice of the two of you to join us finally," Cetia remarked.

"Your Majesty," Graeson said, tipping his head before leading Kallie to stand beside Terin.

When they approached, Kallie heard Dani say, "You are no Nadarean."

"Danisinia," Terin hissed. "Now is not the time."

Dani huffed but returned her focus to the queen.

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