
Regret.
It thrummed through her temples with wicked instance. They had offered her a bacta pill, but it felt excessive for a hangover. No, Noelle forced herself to sit in that ridiculously uncomfortable throne and hold her meetings as if nothing had occurred-- because nothing should have occurred.
This was

She pressed her fingers to her temple as the latest inquiry walked the long way back towards the exit. The great hall was becoming more and more populated as the weeks of her rule went by. The Exodus of Eshan a decade ago had seen to the migration of many nobles. It was a good sign, wasn't it, to see their faces slowly trickle back in? She only wished they weren't all there looking at her now. She was sure their keen gazes could burn past her high collar and see the marks she kept hidden from view.
A subtle blush touched her cheeks. She reached for her glass of chilled coffee and refreshed her throat as the next pensioner was announced.
Lord something or other.
She took another deep sip.