FORTY EIGHT: Last Night…

"Your Majesty?"

Kel squeaked as Calix pulled her toward his tent's door flap. 

The black and red dragons covering the canvas seemed to bare their teeth menacingly as they grew closer. 

When they finally reached the terrifying illustrations, the emperor used one arm to hold the flap open and thrust Kel inside.

Nearly tumbling to the ground, Kel braced herself against the closest solid object, which happened to be a wooden chair set in front of a desk. She drew in a sharp breath, her fingers closing more tightly around the chair as the door fell closed, surrounding her in darkness.

"... Your Majesty" she whimpered again.

Suddenly, an orange light exploded, bathing the entire tent in its warm glow. At the source of the light stood Calix, holding an oil lamp.

With his dancing, scarlet eyes focused intently on Kel, he began taking brisk steps across the tent.