"This isn't…" Kel trailed off, scanning the increasingly grandiose décor lining the wide hallway Thane was leading her through.
She'd expected to be taken to the emperor's study, their usual meeting place, but there was no dingy dim corridor in sight.
"We're going to the throne room," Thane explained, pointing to a pair of massive double doors at the end of the hall.
Kel had never set foot in the Serin throne room before. Even during her escapades around the palace, she'd been careful to avoid it.
She knew from past experience that the ruler's throne room was a grand solemn space, reserved for trials and councils. It certainly wasn't a place for the hostage princess of an enemy kingdom to tour as she pleased.
Their silent march down the hall was soon interrupted by the sound of thudding, loudly approaching from behind.
Kel glanced over her shoulder and saw Lucy, her skirt hiked nearly to her knees, thundering toward them.
