“Your Majesty,” Veron called out, turning back to Queen Nendra, “I won’t—” Queen Nendra raised a hand. “The challenge has been accepted.” Yelena bowed elaborately. “Yelena,” Veron snarled. “So help me Ulsinael, if you—” Riza and Danika rose to grab Veron’s arms and forced him to his seat while he bucked their hold. Even Zoran approached to help, and they finally wrangled Veron onto the bench as Zoran murmured reassurances.
