XXVI
Lucan and Celesse walked quickly through the rear courtyard of the Hall of Governance. The massive building, with hundreds of spires and an exterior that resembled the rock wall of a cavern, rose majestically in front of them. The courtyard was spare, with freshly watered grass and rows of flowers rimming the perimeter.
Years ago, the gardens had been one of the most beautiful places in the city; visitors came simply to relax and enjoy marbled sculptures, hedge mazes and fragrant floral displays that inspired perfumes.
But Governor Grimoire believed in slashing budgets, and when he took office, the first thing to go was the extravagance of the Hall’s grounds. He insisted on perennial plants that would grow back without the need of magic or a gardener, he sold the statues to the mus
