lle's

iate m

clear and laced with an icy authority that

mpletely, and fixed my gaze on the Royal Celebrant stand

g takes her vows, I believe there is an inviolable protocol

vously. "My Luna... this ceremony is conducte

sacred traditions established by th

court! Your face is a ruined monstrosity, your traitor father is dead, and your title exists solely because the law forbi

my "ugliness" and powerlessness. In the past, the

rely stirr

re the elders and the Goddess," I replied unflinchingly. "If yo

ore any Royal Consort is officially recognized, she must perform the Tea of Servitude to the law

echoed thro

xpressions turning grave. It was an ancient rite designed to rem

c... no! That is an outdated custom! Wh

ed, his fingers trembling on the parchment. "The Tea of

ssed rage. Trapped before his vas

enched teeth, glaring at Livia.

forward a silver tray bearing a porcelain cup filled to the brim with freshl

s she approached me, her weeping facade dropped just eno

ees on the cold floor bef

e accept my tea,"

own at her from behind my thi

ce grew s

lips curled into

aimed the scalding, boiling tea straight at my face-while her fr

sting, rotten monster you are!