章節 18: Chapter 18

The very last thing Shanna wanted to do come morning was meet with her stepfather. But their morning discussions were canceled only when he had more pressing business, and they met so early, cancellation was a rarity. It had happened only once since her mother's death.

So instead of avoiding her fate, Shanna dressed in a dark blue gown that was nearly black, tightly bound her hair and decorated it with black pearls, and went to attend the meeting.

Instead of sitting at the table by the half circle of windows where they often had tea, or standing by the bookshelves where they spoke when he was annoyed with her, Mercen instead sat behind his enormous desk. None of his staff were present. That wasn't a good sign.

"Good morning, darling."

Shanna's mouth flattened, but she nodded. "Good morning, Father."