Silently took a step back, creating space for the drama about to unfold. I sipped my wine and settled in like someone watching an opening act.
Xander fumbled to catch her, clearly taken aback but still gentle. "Lady Helen… of course I remember you."
"Then why didn't you come find me?" She sobbed. "We… we weren't just acquaintances, were we?"
One of my eyebrows arched slightly.
Perhaps feeling the weight of my amused stare, a bead of sweat rolled down Xander's temple as he tried to steady her.
"You're drunk, milady."
"I am not drunk!" she snapped, clinging tighter to his arm with childish persistence.
"Who is she?" Her eyes suddenly turned sharp as she aimed the full force of her suspicion at me. "Is she your new lover? Again?"
Again. Now that was interesting.
"She's the Emperor's guest."
Xander said sharply. His tone iced over as soon as I was dragged into her storm. He finally peeled her off and motioned subtly to a group of nearby maids.
