Tables were overflowing with silk-wrapped boxes, jewelry cases, and rare southern spices. There were bolts of expensive fabrics, ornate daggers, and jars of preserved delicacies from the outer territories. It looked like a merchant's warehouse had exploded in their living quarters.
Soren sat beside her, pulling a stray blanket over her legs. "While we were… occupied. The servants didn't want to interrupt, so they just kept stacking them here."
Eris picked up a small, ivory box and set it back down. "They're trying to buy favor. The vultures smell a change in the wind."
"Of course they are," Soren said, leaning back. "You're Empress now. They need to know if the new sun is going to burn them or warm them." He leaned closer, a playful glint in his eyes. "Should I be jealous? They're showering my wife with enough gold to buy a small duchy."
