Three hours felt like three days.
Rumina had checked her proposal three times, smoothed the folds of her gown twice, and sipped the tea served by the receptionist—tea that was far too sweet for a palate accustomed to the bitter black coffee of Northreach. Outside the lounge window, the Meridoss canals grew increasingly crowded. Merchant boats shuttled back and forth with heavy loads, traders shouted their offers, and the sun continued to climb, shortening the shadows along the water's edge.
Finally, the lounge door creaked open.
A servant clad in black robes appeared at the threshold. His face was stoic, his posture rigid, and his voice deep and practiced. "Madam Vernazza is ready to receive you."
