The nervous flips inside her stomach some of the worst Kalliope had ever experienced. In fact, Kalliope felt if she opened her mouth, she would hurl what little she managed to force down during breakfast.
The last meal she had with her family. Until whenever Kalliope could return.
It went as well as one might expect. Venus’ mood was stormy, and the only reason she didn’t throw a fit was because King Eiras was there. Queen Virille acted like nothing was happening, choosing to face Kalliope’s departure with cold indifference. King Eiras was being extra charismatic, trying to strike some last deals with Malus, his hand blatantly in Venus’ lap.
Quite frankly, Kalliope would have left five minutes into it if Malus wasn’t holding her hand under the table. If she had doubts before, they were m
