It was a pleasant morning, with a mild breeze and blue skies overhead. But Caio hardly noticed the surroundings as a maid served him tea. He couldn't remember ever having talked to Concubine Number 5. He had been acquainted with her for years, of course – how could he not when she belonged to one of the five main kingdoms in the empire?
But to his knowledge, he had never intentionally sought her out, especially when she was declared a concubine of Alessandro. He had no interest whatsoever in his friend's long string of women. That was until 20 became one of them, although not in the strict sense of the word, then he became involved. He realized that he was willing to break the strict protocols he had set for himself for her sake, and he didn't think it was unusual. Simply put, he would do anything as her protector. Even solicit the help of a princess widely regarded as a sorceress.
