Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Inquisitions

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul. - Democritus

He leads me out of the office and down the hall. The thought of visiting with the council is not high on my list of things to do. I've no idea what to expect, which makes my stomach tense up in knots. What if they can read my thoughts? I sigh and rub my aching temples.

When we reach the bedroom, I spy a silver-colored rectangular container on the bed.

Vlad opens the box. He removes a purple full-length gown and lays it across the bed.

I amble up next to him, focusing on a pair of dark purple high heels, at least three inches high, in a clear case. I've worn heels before, but I'm not sure I'll be able to walk in these. I turn back to see what he's doing.

He has shed his shirt and is walking around barefooted in a pair of black dress slacks.

'Are the items not to your liking?'