Kassian nodded at the attendant who escorted him to Maharana Garden Hall and watched as the man walked away with a swift, hurried step. The garden was surprisingly quiet for a party place, which made him even more alert. He hadn’t brought a weapon, reasoning they wouldn’t let him in with one anyway, but suddenly his empty hands, adorned only with several heavy silver rings, felt inadequately bare. The Prime Minister had even insisted he leave his wedding band behind, as its gold composition might send the wrong message.
Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, Kassian turned his attention to the metal gate separating him from the garden. Two guards stood in front of it and as Kassian approached, one of them moved to block his way.
“Invitation, please,” he demanded. Neither of them touche
