*Heiro's POV*

I walked into the sitting area and plopped down onto one of the many piles of pillows lying around the floor. "I'm exhausted," I said as I sprawled out and took a deep and settling breath.

"Wine?" Messene asked, appearing out of nowhere.

I yelled and jerked away from her, startled. "Goodness, where did you come from?"

"I have been here the entire time, archontes." She clasped her hands before her and bowed her head towards ...