Chapter 57: Chapter 57

He woke to a room that had grown darker, though the last dregs of sunlight spilled in the window—a window that had the curtains open once more, and his bed was woefully empty.

Sighing, Penli climbed out of bed and went into the front room, where someone had left a tray of food and a small box with a note from Shanna affixed. Good luck was all it said. Penli smiled and tucked the note into his jewelry case before opening the box.

Which proved to hold a beautiful set of earrings in the shape of gold birds with long sapphire and diamond tail feathers. There was also a matching broach to affix to his sash.

Between the company, the nap, and the good luck tokens, he was feeling more than ready for the evening.

Spinning on his heel with a military sharpness he'd never entirely left behind, Penli went to get dressed.