His shoulders eased up a little as the Empress revealed that he was merely a messenger and that she was still being protected. Though he saw no guards nearby, he supposed that meant the protection was functioning as planned. “I’ll pass it on,” he answered to the Empress’ request though he was surprised to find out that she knew his father well enough to pass on regards. He wondered if it was merely a polite formality, or another secret message, but didn’t dwell on the thought for too long.
An announcement was made and Rafael couldn’t help but shoot a confused glance at the Empress before remembering the curse and averting his gaze. Why wait? Even from his position, standing right next to the Empress, he caught shreds of the most outrageous rumors. Now this was a game the nobles of Rynmere liked to play!
While he tried his best to be on his guard, every so often his eyes drifted over to the masked hosts who stood like statues near the entrance. In silence, he counted them. Eight of them there were. Seven for the Duchies each, and the King. His heart jumped to his throat. It could very well be that the older guard had been right all along. But why had they all come?
The quiet voice of the Empress reached his ear and he offered a curt nod in reply. “Of course, Empress.” It was the polite thing to say, though he wondered why she suddenly felt so insecure when she had just moments ago claimed to be well-protected. He could think of only one solution but could not decide if he had the audacity to ask until, eventually, a brief sigh escaped him and a faint smile played at his lips. “Don’t tell me now that you’re afraid of public speaking.”
An announcement was made and Rafael couldn’t help but shoot a confused glance at the Empress before remembering the curse and averting his gaze. Why wait? Even from his position, standing right next to the Empress, he caught shreds of the most outrageous rumors. Now this was a game the nobles of Rynmere liked to play!
While he tried his best to be on his guard, every so often his eyes drifted over to the masked hosts who stood like statues near the entrance. In silence, he counted them. Eight of them there were. Seven for the Duchies each, and the King. His heart jumped to his throat. It could very well be that the older guard had been right all along. But why had they all come?
The quiet voice of the Empress reached his ear and he offered a curt nod in reply. “Of course, Empress.” It was the polite thing to say, though he wondered why she suddenly felt so insecure when she had just moments ago claimed to be well-protected. He could think of only one solution but could not decide if he had the audacity to ask until, eventually, a brief sigh escaped him and a faint smile played at his lips. “Don’t tell me now that you’re afraid of public speaking.”