“It is,” said the Archduke; but Lotzen only bowed.
Count Epping drew his sword.
“Valeria hails the Princess Dehra as Regent,” he cried. It was the ancient formula changed to fit the occasion.
And this time Armand’s blade rang with the others across the table, and his voice joined exultantly in the answer that echoed through the room.
“We hail the Princess Regent!”
As the sound died Ferdinand of Lotzen stepped forward and bent knee.
“God save Your Royal Highness!” he said, and again Dehra gave him her hand.
“And grant me strength,” she answered.
“Amen,” said the Count gravely. “Amen.”
It was Lotzen who broke the stillness.