TWELVE: Shockingly Intimate Grabs

Contrary to what Kel expected, it turned out the Ruby Room, the Place of Kings, wasn't a throne room.

Instead, it was a bedroom.

A large, luxurious bedroom with several chambers and expensive furnishings, but a bedroom nonetheless.

She and Calix had been left there with Thane, Lucy, and a few palace servants in order to rest before the welcome banquet. Well, those were all the people Kel knew of in the room with them. She kept her eyes peeled for any sinister shadows lying in wait.

"I've heard the food from Pandreia is as alluring as the people are."

On one side of the main chamber, Thane was busy flirting with a couple pink-cheeked maids. Lucy watched on, rubbing her forehead in irritation, while Kel and Calix lounged on the sofa.

"Pardon me," another maid approached the sofa, addressing both Kel and Lucy. "Would you permit us to dress you for the banquet?"

"Oh!"