46 West

After crossing the fog-choked Ashen Sea, Glorian lands at Summerport under a modest entry to avoid attention. Mistaken for Queen Sabran by onlookers, she proceeds to Ascalun with Lord Robart. In the Queens’ Tower, Florell counsels her to remain vigilant during the regency so Lord Robart does not sideline her, urging Glorian to show strength, secure loyal nobles, and claim her image as Sabran and Bardholt’s heir.

Days of silence and prayer follow as Glorian waits for guidance that does not come. On the eleventh day, Lord Robart summons her to council. Dressed in blue among councillors already in grey, Glorian learns the realm will declare Sabran and Bardholt presumed drowned and announce Glorian’s ascension to preserve stability.

The council debates causes for the catastrophe—Mentish plots, Eastern alchemy, or seafaring enemies—without resolution. To secure Hróth, Glorian signs a renunciation in favor of Einlek Óthling, accepting the necessity despite personal grief. The council sets extended mourning for both sovereigns and a symbolic entombment using Sabran’s relics and Bardholt’s tooth and pelt.

Coronation timing becomes contentious: without a witness to Sabran’s death, propriety demands delay, possibly for a year. News arrives that a deadly sickness in Hróth is spreading; Einlek closes ports, and Inys watches warily. Glorian suggests precautions, but Lord Robart redirects to domestic urgency—an heir.

Pressed on dynastic security amid manifold threats—the Dreadmount, Carmenti, the attempt on Glorian’s life, Mentish suspicion, and plague—the council reveals Sabran arranged Glorian’s marriage to Prince Therico of Yscalin. Though unsettled, Glorian accepts the match. Lord Robart concludes by asserting the council will govern, signaling the constraints of Glorian’s coming rule.