Useless Dreams

"Your Highness," Count Elion entered the princess's study, his face flushed from running. "I come bearing good news!"

He rushed to Lorelai's desk and fell into the plush chair, breathing heavily as he tried to catch his breath.

"Please, tell me more!" Lorelai's eyes sparkled with hope, and Count Elion nodded, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Our expectations were proven correct, Your Highness. During the masquerade banquet, Duke Kalder will have a secret gambling station where he'll be selling 'exotic' slaves. The location will be revealed on the spot; the participating guests will be approached and escorted once the banquet starts."

Lorelai's body tensed slightly; the news was indeed good, but at the same time, it made her nervous.