“My name is Kalos.”

Agathos let go of Kalos' hand and walked towards his cart. Kalos reluctantly followed him. The moment of joy had given way to bitter reality. He took his place in the cart, next to the driver.

With his back bent and his hands crossed, he felt the vehicle move. He perfectly knew the destination well.

The journey to the palace went smoothly. Despite the situation, Kalos could not help but be curious and looked forward to seeing the famous jewel case.

He saw nothing.

Agathos had led them in front of an enclosure. Two guards had opened the gate for them to enter.

Kalos could not see the palace but a courtyard.

“You can get out," Agathos told him.

Kalos did not hesitate. He jumped to the ground and took a few steps to stretch his legs. He was surprised that Agathos let him. He glanced at him and discovered that he was still giving the bridle of his horse to someone.

Agathos walked to Kalos and informed him, “We are behind the palace kitchens. The harem is not far away.”

Kalos shivered. Agathos noticed.

“You are not going to live in the harem. We are going there so that you can be washed and dressed before being taken to your mistress.”

“Who is that?" Kalos asked.

“Don't talk like that” -Agathos sighed– “especially in front of her.”

Kalos gave him an insolent look.

“Who will be my mistress?”

“Marshal Mei.”

Kalos froze in terror.

Burned towns.

Screams.

Death.

“Marshal Mei,” he repeated.

Agathos judged that the name had had its effect and started walking. Dazed, Kalos followed him.

“There is something that can silence you," Agathos taunted.

“Be quiet," Kalos whispered.

“Do you come from the golden valleys?”

“Yes.”

“I see. How old were you?”

“Eight.”

“Then you may remember.”

Kalos gritted his teeth.

“Yes.”

“So, you're twenty-three. That explains why you are well built. However, you are getting old. Perhaps I should have checked your age before taking you.”

They had gone into a white building and began to walk down a series of corridors. Agathos hurried on and they soon came to a beautiful wooden door where magnificent bas-reliefs of baths had been carved. He opened the door.

Kalos discovered wealth. Excessive, ostentatious, self-important wealth.

A dozen marble baths lay before his eyes. The gold taps kept on running so that the water only overflowed and flowed through equally golden plates. The walls were decorated with a lush forest, with the tops of the trees extending up to the ceiling to give way to bluish stained-glass windows.

“A bath!" shouted Agathos.

Immediately four servants came running. They were carrying various products. Kalos noticed that none of them were looking at him.

“May you prepare this paramour for his first night with Marshal Mei.”

Then, Kalos saw a furtive terror in their eyes.