The Venetian Council fractured.
Half stood with Aurelia and Lucien.
The rest declared neutrality and prepared for war.
In a tense midnight meeting, Don Bravari offered his final insult.
"We won't kill your queen, Lucien," he said. "We'll let her crown herself then watch her drown in it."
Lucien's blade sang from its sheath. Bravari left with a bleeding cheek. Aurelia whispered, "You should've let me finish him."
Lucien smiled darkly. "I'm saving him for the child."