Matthias ignored the disapproving look Ömer gave him as he left the library, taking with him the untouched plate of food. It was only Ömer’s years of service that allowed him such a liberty without consequence. If Matthias chose to spend the next fortnight in his library drinking excellent brandy as he looked over several pieces of iron on his desk, then it was no one’s concern, and certainly not his servants’. If he chose to ignore several meals brought to him in favor of his excellent brandy, that was also his own concern.
He leaned forward and began assembling the pieces he had again, albeit with very little success. Not only were his hands far less steady than they had been when he first sat down the evening before, but there were still pieces missing from the globes.
Two pieces! Two
