For the next few days, Catherine stayed in Meridon, taking care of the results of her research, organizing them and mapping the next steps.
Maximilian attended the university for his teaching postion. That day, they had dinner with Sebastian and Bernice.
The restaurant occupied the top floor of one of Meridon's oldest buildings, overlooking the river that wound through the city like a ribbon of liquid gold beneath the evening lights.
Soft music drifted through the dining hall. Crystal glasses caught the glow of chandeliers overhead. Conversations remained low and refined, blending into a pleasant murmur that never disturbed the atmosphere.
It was the sort of place where people dressed well without being asked and where impeccable service was so seamless it became nearly invisible.
Catherine found herself relaxing the moment they were seated. Across from her sat Sebastian and Bernice.
