Chapter 6
The chariots lined the moonstone causeway like serpents of gold.
A thousand candles flickered from towering obsidian lanterns, casting an erotic glow on the glass palace known as Crimara Hall — the heart of Valdara’s high court pleasures, politics, and whispered scandals.
Zephyr adjusted his collar as his cloak swept the crimson carpet.
Beside him stood Duchess Velmira, radiant in her red-and-black corset gown, her chest spilling like twin thrones of temptation.
> "Try not to look impressed," she murmured. "This place feeds on wide-eyed men."
He smirked. "What about the ones who make queens moan?"
She leaned closer. "Those are either married... or assassinated."
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A Ballroom of Sin
Inside, the air was thick with perfume, wine, and magic so sensual it touched the skin.
Women of every kind moved through the ballroom — centaur duchesses in diamond-studded saddles, elven MILFs with ears pierced in layers of gold, widows with fanged smiles and gowns of living silk.
Every glance turned toward Zephyr.