In the Upper, the palace is afire with preparations for a very large celebration
I want each and every one of them to be properly taken care of, Naraka comments to a nodding servant who is scribbling down notes. The rooms are to be clean, the most comfortable beds and furniture put in and make the décor tasteful at least.
He glances towards Tamrissa, who is sitting quietly and reading a book in the library just across the hall from his study where the servant sits with him. A smirk puts a dimple in his flawless face and then he turns back to the servant.
When they arrive at the gate outside of the city, I want an entourage of the Palace Guard there to accompany them in. Inform them that Tamrissa wishes them to come directly to the palace. If one should decide for him or herself that they wish to explore the city first
I want to be notified immediately, he steeples his fingers in front of him and looks thoughtful. Some of the ladies of the court are to be dressed in their finest also
we will not leave these men companionless. And add in one young man
we are to expect one young woman also. Choose wisely, these ladies and that young man are to be beside each of our guests sides at every moment they can. They are to report back to me each evening when their charges retire.
Yes, my lord, the older man tries to crack a smile. Is that it, my lord?
No, he picks up his glass and takes a sip. I will call for you later though.
The man stands and scurries out the door. Soon after, another presence is felt in the room.
What do you want? Naraka turns his head slightly and speaks sharply, knowing that there is a cloaked stranger standing near the tapestry on the wall. He is gone
remove your illusions in front of your Lord!
Yes, Adon, the voice trembles slightly and hesitates, but the stranger steps away from the tapestry and can now be seen clearly in his midnight cloak. Your forgiveness.
State your business and be gone.
My lord, the old man is missing, the cloaked figure kneels and spreads his hands in a gesture of humbleness. He is believed to be in the city somewhere.
How did he get into the city, Abdel? his voice seethes with anger. Your men are careless!
A loud crash follows his throwing of the crystal wine glass at the wall.
My lord, we believe, to escape our notice, he used one of his inve
I do not care what he used! Find him and bring him to me! If he finds his way into this palace, I will shove reve root down all of your throats! he stands and points at the cowering man.
Yes, my lord, the comment about reve root seems to have scared him more than his masters anger.
He gets up and backs away, bowing and apologizing. Tamrissa moves up behind Naraka, arms snaking around his waist.
My love? she whispers, peering up at him with her cheek laid on his upper arm.
Away, woman, he growls and throws her hands away.
She steps back and watches him obediently. He waits until the man has once again hidden himself and retreated down the secret passage behind the tapestry, then turns to her.
You are to stay in your rooms for the remainder of this day, he looks down at her over his nose. I will come to you tonight when I have finished my business.
Yes, my lord, she curtsies, looking like a timid servant rather than his wife-to-be.
As she glides out, he turns away and broods silently
~A sweet little woman..with more bite than bark.~