Chapter Eleven

"You will help serve in the hall tonight," Kayana announced when Demetrius returned with a silver goblet balanced precariously on a matching salver. "It will be good training for you. There is an eclipse of the moon in some weeks and my brother expects all servants to help in honouring it."

"Yes, my Lady," Demetrius said flatly as she took up the goblet. The smell of sweet fruit flowed from within and only enhanced his hunger pangs.

"You do realise," she continued, slowly licking her lips and taking away the shine of the purple nectar. "That if you humour me, I can take away the worries of safety. I can rid you of wondering if you will be given food and make sure you sleep peacefully, away from the nagging thoughts of death?"

A bead of sweat formed on Demetrius's brow and rolled down his cheek, leaving a cold trail in its wake.