“She wants an audience with you.”

Looking up from where he lounged, Morningstar fixed the messenger with a raised eyebrow stare. His 'bride’ blinked back, her raven hair pinned sharply back. Her hands cupped in front of her she looked back at him with as much intensity. Slowly she breathed as his gaze became one of amusement.

“I see,” his lips began to twist into a smile.

Leaning forwards he let his feet slide from where they had been resting against the table, onto the floor. There was a quiet noise of annoyance from the young woman who had been idly massaging his feet. Morningstar looked at her. “Later, Talia,” he said softly, as the massager threw Selena a glare.

Selena was only partially surprised. Somehow Talia, a member of Morningstar's harem, had managed to get him all for herself. The wily maiden had persuaded him from the hidden seraglio and into his own private chambers. They were separated from the rest of the palace, being accessed instead from a door to the back of the throne room. Morningstar had been reclining in an armchair in the safety of his cream-coloured summer lounge, so called for the theme of the decoration, when Selena had come in.

The prince began to rise, as Talia sighed and moved back to allow him room. As he straightened his clothes and found a suitable pair of court shoes Selena went on.

“I believe she wants to talk to you about … what you told me she mentioned before,” she murmured.

“Indeed,” Morningstar replied, “I suspect she does.”

Selena paused, her fingers pressing together. “Are … what are you going to say?” she asked, slightly nervously.

Tilting his head back Morningstar fixed Selena with a questioning look before he answered. “Selena, that is for myself to know. She would be pledging herself to me, not to you.”

“I know that, Lord Morningstar, but-”

“Selena, this kingdom may be easier for you to live in, as opposed to your father Morté's, and you may officially be the lady here, but it is still mine,” he paused as he looked down at the current outer robe he wore, and began to pull it off. Talia quickly scrambled to her feet to aid him, taking the clothing as he discarded it. “In that case, do not ask me what I am going to reply. What you can be certain that Charon's situation will not change.”

Selena blinked quickly, her eyes looking away from him. “I know that,” she said quietly, “I was more concerned with … Kora. She's a good friend, and she thinks this is going to aid him.”

“Well she'll very soon learn that is impossible,” he shrugged, as he pulled on a clean robe that Talia brought to him. He smiled pleasantly at Selena. “He knows where he stands with me, and that is all I need.”

“She said she thinks she is falling in love with him,” Selena said quietly, seriously.

Morningstar paused, concern passing over his eyes. His lips pursed slightly and he took in a long breath. “Well,” he replied, “that is either going to be a great benefit, or a problem.” He was silent for a moment before he nodded once. “Have her come to me in the small council chamber.” He twisted around to smile at Talia and give her a soft kiss.

Selena watched them, the way Talia's body literally shivered with delight. The concubine bent her body into his, their bodies briefly aligning. If she was being honest, Selena was truly happy that she didn't have to have relations with him. She would not want to have competition with his six lovers.

Morningstar pulled away from Talia. The concubine was beaming, as if her happiness was beauty itself. Softly, his fingers traced around her jaw, before he turned to face Selena, his brows rising.

“Well?”

She breathed in and shallowly curtseyed. “Yes Lord Morningstar,” she murmured, before she twisted and started out.