[Mekatra]

Joane headed out the door without acknowledging him again. She checked every few moments to make sure he hadn't tried to sneak off as they made their way toward the castle in the pre-dawn twilight. Several of the guards bowed their heads slightly to her as they got closer to the gates. Only a few questioned his presence and each time she quickly explained him away as an errand she was running for another noble.

When they reached the royal quarters she knelt down in front of the most powerful man in the kingdom. He was middle aged, grey streaks beginning to find their way into his coal hair. His eyes were a stormy grey and in the flickering light from his fireplace they absorbed the flashes of orange and red. "I assume you're the "gift" from Brighton?" He addressed Trevor directly. "I don't believe this plan is a good one, but I am willing to give it a try."