While heated affection was being exchanged inside one thankfully sturdy hovercraft, an intense discussion was underway in one of the private rooms at the Expo.
Luca looked at Rahil's pale and worried face, trying to verify the horrifying situation he'd just heard about.
"So the reason this is so unusual," he began carefully, "is because Prince Eren's been keeping the young Princess away as a hostage?"
Rahil didn't hesitate.
"Yes, my lord. As you could probably tell, Princess Marin has no idea something like this was even happening. But in reality, up until that call, Prince Elior hadn't been allowed to contact her in any way, and vice versa."
The words settled heavily in the room.
"So to suddenly initiate contact like this?" Rahil continued, choosing his phrasing as diplomatically as possible. "Unless Prince Eren's been possessed by some benevolent entity, I highly doubt he would've suggested surprising his brother out of the goodness of his heart."
