The Council convened Jeanne and Gianna's trial before Jasmine's own coronation could proceed, a matter of protocol Elder Voss insisted upon with an unyielding formality that left no room for negotiation.

"The old laws require closure of one matter before another may formally begin," he explained, when Jasmine questioned the delay. "Justice and celebration cannot share the same session without diminishing both." She hadn't argued the point further, recognizing in it the same careful, deliberate rhythm that had eventually served her own case so well.

The Hall of Ash felt different this time, walking in not as the accused but as a witness whose testimony would help determine another's fate....