THE CRIMSON MOON PACT
Seraphine, when consulted, did not fully approve of the plan, citing the political risk of an unproven king leaving his own capital so soon after a contested coronation, but she also did not attempt to talk him out of it once she understood the alternative, a border crisis handled entirely by messenger while the crown remained conspicuously absent from a treaty it had just renewed under considerable strain.
"I will manage the court in your absence," she said finally, "and I will keep a close watch on anything moving through Lord Malachi's remaining contacts here in the capital. But you should understand, Your Majesty, that leaving now hands your uncle an opportunity as well as a risk. An abs