The sound of cups clinking rang out as a butler brought down three cups on a silver tray and laid them across the small table overlooking the garden.
Serra and Taula were seated in cushioned chairs and surprisingly, the Lord of the Valakris household sat opposite them, having personally come to handle this transaction.
The man was in his forties, well-fed to excess with thinning hair slicked back. His fingers were decorated with rings that cost more than most people earned in a year.
"Thank you for the drinks, Carol… Now begone." the lord said, waving dismissively and the butler retreated quickly, bowing as he backed away.
The lord looked at his guests with calculating eyes.
"Please, drink…" he said. "There's nothing wrong with the drinks."
