Aurelia meant "Spindle City" in the Sea Land language.
Like its name, the city was shrouded all day in the ceaseless clatter of looms.
But today was somewhat different. A prolonged autumn rain had overloaded the city's drainage system. Rainwater carrying the rank smell of wool flowed past the wool exchange, past the Grand Cathedral, and past the stained-glass dome of the Parliament Hall before draining into the moat.
Inside the Parliament Hall, candlelight flickered.
Hundreds of whale oil candles stood in pure silver candlesticks, lighting the hall as brightly as day. The air was heavy with the mellow fragrance of aged red wine, the charred aroma of roasted lamb chops, and the expensive perfume dozens of men wore to mask the smell of sheep.
The doors slowly opened.
Cold wind slipped inside, sending the candle flames dancing wildly.
The smell that struck her made Caroline frown slightly.
Today, she wore a dark red velvet gown. Its long skirt trailed across the black-and-white marble floor like flowing blood. The tight waist outlined her lovely figure, and the neckline dipped just enough. The necklace Veylin had given her, enchanted with Calm Mind, glittered in the candlelight.
There was no one behind her.
No guards, only two maids following her.
Thirty-six of the most powerful men in Golden Thread Province sat around the long table in the center of the hall. Most were stout, their fingers covered in jeweled rings. Now, thirty-six pairs of eyes fixed upon the "Silver-Haired Witch" who had come alone.
Their gazes held greed, mockery, and a certain ill-intentioned scrutiny.
"Good evening, gentlemen."
Caroline's voice was cool. The clicks of her high heels echoed through the hall in a steady rhythm. Being surrounded by dozens of powerful nobles had not rattled her.
She walked straight to the only