They were approaching the Queen's wing when Rylen and Caira caught sight of Caius walking with Thomas. Caius had his head bent as he stared at a paper, speaking to Thomas as he walked, but as soon as he saw them, he stopped.
"Your Grace," Rylen said and bowed.
"Prince Caius," Caira called with a softer curtsey.
Rylen noticed Caius's grip on the paper tighten; he did not like how she addressed him. Caira didn't seem to notice, and Rylen let out a sigh of relief.
"Princess Caira," Caius called, not even bothering to smile. Thomas bowed beside him without a word.
"Won't you join us for lunch?" Caira asked, noticing he was heading in the opposite direction. She looked worried, clearly ready to offer help if needed.
"No, I will have to skip this one. But dinner," he forced a smile, "I'll attend."
