Kingdom of Ash

the women, “Did you see anything?”
One of the women shook her head. “They
weren’t in the council room yet. Thank the
gods.”
Her partner’s hands wobbled as she set
down her tray. “They will be soon, though.”
“Lucky you got out before they came,”
someone said. “Or you might have found
yourself part of lunch, too.”
Lucky, indeed. Dorian lingered, but the
kitchen resumed its rhythms, satisfied two of
its own had made it back safely.
The council room—perhaps the same
Manon had described. Where Erawan
preferred to have his meetings. And if Erawan
himself was headed there ...
Dorian scuttled out, heeding that mental
map Manon had crafted. A fool—only a fool
would willingly go to see Erawan. Risk it.
Perhaps he had a death wish. Perhaps he