Chapter 52 - Deal Struck

I walk alone into the grand dining room where this evening’s dinner will be held, exhaling a long breath and looking around with interest. The room is already flooded with people – important Alphas with their Lunas on their arms, state officials, advisors. The Vendan officials are here too, obvious in their traditional black and looking for all things like a set of crows scattered around the room.

Slowly I walk into the gorgeous room, which is elaborate in all of its white marble and gold accents, built to accommodate about one hundred guests in very fine circumstances. I accept a glass of champagne from a bowing Delta servant and take a stip. Those guests close to me who notice my entrance give me short bows of reverence – those due to a Queen, though of course I haven’t taken up that title yet.

Still, in Mahl’s court – with the way he’s already claimed me? It’s as good as done.

I step into the room, looking around, wondering how to handle this. Mahl is, of course, on his dais, where