FLAVIAN LIKED the city. He had made the determination after less time spent in the city than he would have liked. If everything had gone to plan, he would have been in his own lodgings in the city by now, exploring it on his own and painting.
Instead, he’d had a tour of the city from Ezekiel, along with Velia and her uncle and aunt. Ezekiel had taken them around in an open carriage, showing them sites of historical significance and aesthetic appeal in the city. It had been a pleasant afternoon. Ezekiel had been charming—serious but still witty and courtly in a way that seemed to delight all women, and that Flavian had to guard himself against. Especially since he knew just how brilliantly Ezekiel could kiss.
But today, he had been forced to join Velia, the queen, and two of Ezekiel’s sis
