By the time Arik and Liam reached the family dining room, Gabriel had already threatened to dismiss the head steward.
Apparently, this was a recurring occurrence.
"I am perfectly capable of arranging dinner for my own family, Edward."
"Your Majesty, I have never suggested otherwise."
"Then why are there six attendants standing outside?"
"Because there are twelve people expected for dinner, Your Majesty."
"And?"
"And I would prefer that the Emperor of Agaron not have to retrieve his own dinner from the kitchens."
Gabriel stared at him.
Edward remained perfectly composed, his dark formal uniform immaculate beneath the warm lighting of the corridor. The silver insignia of the imperial household rested against his chest, and his expression suggested that he had survived considerably more difficult conversations than this one.
Liam glanced toward Arik.
His husband looked delighted.
"Does this happen often?"
"Every time Mother decides we should have a normal family dinner."
