"Elan, why are you turning the capital in and out? Did you lose your crown?" a man said, striding into the throne room.
"You are here, Archduke. You sure took your time," Eldric the emperor said, smiling wearily.
"Yes, I am not one of your consorts to drop everything and run to your arms whenever you call," Eldric said and then laughed at the emperor's disapproving look.
"Why are you going to demand my head? Do you really want a collection of your cousin's heads?" Eldric laughed. "Besides, that used to scare me as a kid, not anymore. Now I will gladly offer it to you. So tell me, to what do I owe the grand pleasure of your invitation?" he added, taking a seat on the steps beneath the throne.
"How is my aunt? I haven't seen her in a while," Reign said, changing the subject.
