The invitation arrived Thursday morning via courier.
Not email, not a phone call. An actual physical invitation on expensive cardstock with embossed lettering that probably cost more than my old monthly rent.
*Lirien Shade requests the pleasure of Azryth Valek's company for dinner. Friday evening, 8 PM. Monarch, private dining room, business matters to discuss.*
"Business matters," I said, reading over Azryth's shoulder. "That's what we're calling it?"
"That's what she's calling it." He set the invitation down on his desk. "I'm calling it what it is: an attempt to undermine our relationship and test boundaries."
"By inviting you to dinner."
"By inviting me to a private dinner at one of the city's most exclusive restaurants, knowing full well that such an invitation carries certain... implications." He picked up his phone. "I'm declining."
"Wait." The word came out before I could stop it.
He looked at me, surprised. "Wait?"
