~A KING'S COUSIN~

HIGH NOON DESCENDED BEFORE NIHILA'S CITY awoke fully, and the twelfth-hour tolling of the Temple's bell was what roused the Lords of Calipsos out of their sleep. Unlike the lesser folk of the capital, the fortuned Barons need not rise from a good night's rest for work. A full coffer granted them this delight.

As Lords of high stature, the Noblemen could sleep well into the day. A leisure only they could afford.

Silk traders and dewy merchants—and even whores weren't granted such extensions. It was either a calling customer or a most distasteful Madame. Bordello girls and salesmen alike had to make do with what was given. In their case, not much.