10
FERRAZ
Ferraz watched the sleeping courtesan. He twirled an orange braid around his fingers and slowly her eyes opened. She smiled at him. Soon he would need to return to the PG set.
“I need to ask you something,” he dared. He felt bold after his meeting with Rivya, like he was important somehow, part of something momentous.
“Anything.”
He took a deep breath. “There are a few who want to remove Ramya from rule, saying she is neglecting her duties as Melokai, and that her mind has been warped by a creature from the east.”
“I have heard this also. I have seen the creature. An aberration of nature. She brings him to court. It is repulsive. I cannot comprehend how she could choose that over you.”
Ferraz’s body tensed involuntarily at the mention of Ramya’s new love. He was ecstati
