The evening air was warm, autumn warmth that lingered on Saha long after sunset. The terrace doors to the private dining suite were open, letting in the faint hum of the court below, which could have easily been its own city. The Altera palace was an infrastructure based on Dax's obsession with order and control, and for once Chris couldn't blame him. The royal court of Saha, modern as it was, was ruthless, especially to those considered outsiders. He understood why he had to go through all of the intense preparations, but God, Chris hated every minute of it.
Inside, the light was low and gold. A single bottle of red wine waited on the table, understated luxury that still somehow whispered royal budget.
