42 Lady Trarko Stands Her Ground

When Lara was ushered in to see Lucas Corrad; for the first time, she finally got to see the king of her childhood. The throne room was a magnificent affair. The walls were draped in velvet embroidered curtains and the ceiling painted with celestial scenes. Elaborate silver candelabras cast dancing shadows across the floor, where a mosaic of precious stones sparkled underfoot. The man himself was lounging on a huge mahogany throne, its base supported by exquisite ornate legs and adorned with the intricate carvings of a roaring lion and a snarling seal. Just like the entourage who had come to Trarko House, the people who surrounded him were a fine mix between elderly statesmen and magicians. There was no woman in the room. The only person close to the king was a tall, ancient looking man in black robes and a black cape. His gray hair cascaded in immense waves down to his waist and he casually stroked his beards, same colour and almost as long as he regarded her with mild disinteres