5 Chapter 5

The evening banquet was one of the grander I’ve seen the Regent throw,with his numerous guests scattered at low tables throughout the dining hall and a new mural painted along the inner wall depicting the progression of the solar eclipse they had congregated together to witness.My cage was mounted on a dais at the front,near the Regent’s table and in full display of the entire room,though the patrons I wished most to impress were situated in a corner near the door.The Regent had exiled the Merodines as far from him as possible.It had to be because of his distaste for Dourack.I couldn’t imagine anyone being bored by Tylen.

He was coming.Tonight.A clandestine meeting that put his entire status within his precious social Circle at risk.I had been traded,purchased,won at a gambling table,but no cost could compare to this.

And yet,he hadn’t hesitated to say yes when I’d asked.He uttered promises that the look in his eyes compounded.How could I not be excited about the night to come?