"Have you met the delegation?"
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty." Zayden lifted his head slightly, meeting his father's gaze. He hated how his knee sank into the soft fur beneath him, yet he kept a polite smile on his face. "They were asked to take some time to look around the palace before being summoned by you."
The Emperor shook his head.
"And how safe is it to have those bastards roaming around my palace?"
"I have instructed my knights to keep a close watch on them. Some of the Imperial guards have also joined in. So far, they haven't left the wing assigned to them."
The Empress coughed softly, clearing her throat even though she knew she shouldn't interrupt. It was already difficult enough to keep from running to him and embracing him tightly. His occasional visits remained limited to the court; he rarely came to see her in the palace anymore.
