Only One Way to Find Out

Evangeline walked back to the brothel, she gripped the glass bottle tightly. The weight of it felt unnatural, as though it carried something far heavier than mere parchment. Or perhaps it was all in her head.

The streets of Vean were quieter now that the energy from the festival was dying down, leaving only the soft glow of lanterns and the distant echo of laughter. The scent of honeyed wine and spiced meats still lingered in the air, but none of it settled her nerves.

A king had summoned her.

For what exactly, she had no idea.

But she would soon find out.

She pushed through the heavy brothel doors and was immediately met with warmth. The air inside was thick with candle wax, perfume, and the unmistakable scent of pleasure. Laughter and muffled moans filtered through the silk-draped hallways, the atmosphere was still buzzing with indulgence despite the late hour.

They probably didn't even sleep here at night so she shouldn't be surprised.