The air in the room was thick with the scent of lavender and vanilla as the massage therapist worked the tension from Lolita's shoulders. She groaned into her silk pillow from the loud knock on the door.
"Go get the door." Lolita groaned.
The massage therapist opened the door. Alina entered.
"Robin Evergreen is here," Alina said.
Lolita huffed. "Why does he have to bother me now?" She rose and pulled the covers close to her bare chest. "Tell him to meet me in the gazebo. I'll be there in ten minutes."
After the others had left, Lolita slid into a simple dress and stepped into her closet to retrieve a pair of sharp heels. She swept out of the castle and toward the gardens. The gazebo was near the Koi fish pond. Robin stood on the white cement walkway. The sun shone against his white bobbed hair. He wore a golden-brown suit with a burgundy trinity tie. His hand gripped the crutch of his birch cane.
"Why did you come here?"
"I wanted to talk. Artemis told me you fired Maxwell? Why did you do that? He was very good at his job." His white eyebrows furrowed.
Lolita shook her head. "Maxwell argued too much with me. He doesn't respect me as ruler! I'm going inside the gazebo. It's too bright outside."
She entered the garden gazebo. He followed her. She sat on the patio chair. He was between her and the round glass table. His blue eyes were tense as she massaged her temples.
"Why are you closing down all churches in Intermarium?"
"A church group started a riot in the streets of Gem City," she snapped. "Now I have to compensate the officers who were injured, which is going to cost a fortune."
Robin cocked his head. "Your eyes are red. Are you hungover?"
"I'm fine," Lolita shot back, rising from her chair. "I'm late for a call with Axel. I don't have time for your incessant questions."
"Lolita, you can afford to spend more time with your uncle!"
"Not when I'm ruler of Intermarium! I'm a very busy person, I have to go."
She stormed into the castle.