Chapter 8The wine was going straight to his head, but Liseny didn’t care. Nothing about this day had turned out as he’d hoped, and right now, he simply wanted to drink himself into oblivion and start over again tomorrow.
The morning had been pleasant enough. Tearnal was an articulate, gracious host, showing off his realm’s prosperity without ever seeming boastful. At noon, he led Liseny to his private ship in the harbor, a sleek vessel with a crew that looked like they had never seen war or poverty. Under a canopy to block out the sun that still bothered him, they dined on the deck to best appreciate the splendid view. Every single time Liseny attempted to steer conversation toward the possibility of an alliance, Tearnal deftly changed the subject again.
It continued that way for their t
