Blood drips from Zoipa’s smiling face as he stares at Cleus, expecting a shocked reaction.

But both Cleus and Cyte remain composed.

Cleus says nothing, even as Zoipa presses on.
“You might like this more than me.”

Zoipa shoves his blood covered plate toward Cleus. The dishes clash, and Zoipa’s food spills over onto Cleus’s plate.

Cleus and Cyte both look at the now tainted food. Then Cleus stands, followed immediately by Cyte.

Zoipa laughs, delighted.
“Hahahahahaha! Yes?”

Cleus turns toward the queen and gives a slight nod.
“I am sorry, but I seem to have lost my appetite. If you’ll excuse me.”

Cyte bows a bit deeper and follows as they leave the room.

Their exit is accompanied by the laughter of Zoipa and Nonga, with quiet giggles coming from the daughters and even the queen.

The door closes behind them. The two walk silently down the corridor.

Then, from around the corner, the king appears, flanked by two people and four soldiers.

“Ah, you must be young Cleus and his loyal shadow, Cyte.”

Both Cleus and Cyte bow in unison.
“Your Highness.”

The king gestures for them to stand straight.
“No need for such formalities among royalty. Please, stand. Is the meal already done?”

Cleus gently shakes his head.
“No, Your Highness. It is still ongoing, as far as I know. But the dining customs here are… unique. I will need more time to acclimate myself to them.”

The king studies Cleus with a knowing expression.
“Let me guess, my sons did something disgusting, didn’t they?”

Cleus is surprised by the question.
“No, Your Highness. They did what was natural to them, or so it seemed.”

The king’s concern deepens.
“Whatever they did, I will admonish them. Come with me.”

Cleus raises his hands in polite refusal.
“No need, Your Highness. I am merely weak of stomach. But before I take my leave, I have one question I would like to ask.”

The king smiles.
“Ask me anything.”

Cleus meets his gaze.
“Have you ever heard of the Book Keeper?”

The king’s eyes widen in surprise.
“What would a young prince like you want with such a woman?”

Cleus blinks, he didn’t expect a lead this quickly.
“One of my companions has business with her. Do you have any information on her whereabouts?”

The king strokes his chin thoughtfully.
“Hmmm… that lady isn’t one to stay in one place for long. So I’m not sure how useful my information will be.”

“Any information would be useful, Your Highness,” Cleus says quickly.

The king tilts his head, closing one eye as he recalls.
“I think she mentioned going to Haqq. But I would advise against going there. Royalty has no place on that planet. Are your companions still in the dining hall?”

Cleus shakes his head.
“No, Your Highness. We went our separate ways upon arriving on this planet.”

“Ah, such a pity,” the king replies with a gentle smile. “I would have loved to meet them and welcome them as our honored guests.”

Cleus bows slightly.
“Your hospitality knows no bounds. When I meet them, I’ll give them your message.”

The king nods.
“Yes, please do. Any friend of yours is a welcome guest of mine.”

Cleus steps aside and bows once more.
“Then, if you’ll excuse us.”

He and Cyte walk off toward their quarters.

The king watches them go, then turns to the woman beside him and nods. She bows and quickly departs. The king continues toward the dining hall, a faint smile on his lips.

Cleus and Cyte grimace as they return to their room.

Once inside, Cyte kneels and touches the floor. A burst of energy ripples outward, revealing and disabling all the hidden listening devices as they drop to the ground.

Cleus kneels as well, sending out his own wave of energy. This one coats the walls, ceiling, and floor, thickening them.

They stand. Silence fills the room until Cyte speaks first.

“It was a mistake coming here.”

Cleus looks down at the pile of disabled devices.
“We can’t be sure of that yet. The king still seems … okay.”

Cyte shakes her head.
“You still close your eyes when you bow, as you were taught. But mine stay open. The king’s feet were covered in blood. Fresh blood.”

Cleus exhales.
“I smelled it too. He reeked of it. But they just went through a failed coup … he might simply be making sure there are no embers left to reignite the fire.”

Cyte meets his eyes, her voice low and sharp.
“Cleus.”

He sighs.
“I know. We have to get out of here.”

End of Chapter 87