River bites into the fleshy succulent apple, glistening juices trailing down the side of her hand and wrist. She wipes at it on the front of her dress absent-mindedly, gaze unfocused and listlessly wandering from one book to another on the wide shelf before her.
After their brief intimate scuffle that left her mortal pride wounded, and the Luna’s unexpected visit, Hadrius had shortly dismissed her for classes. His mirthful mood suddenly darkened with hidden meaning.
She had left for the palace classrooms but no teacher was in attendance, students as well, all rooms empty. It was then that she noticed the sudden bustling of servants moving about with polished trays and chandeliers, rolled up Persian carpets and glistening silverware. They all moved in one direction.
River made her way to
