The detour from the luncheon was not even ten minutes by the time Thespius and I got back.
As the doors opened to the dining room, I expected everyone to be sitting where they were when I left. But that wasn't the case. The room had been abandoned save for Queen Elaine who was now sat where Dickon had been previously.
Her arms were resting on the table as they cupped her head. She appeared in deep contemplation as she looked at the table.
Upon seeing me she emerged from her contemplation and smiled. "Ah, Apollo, I would say welcome back, but there isn't much to welcome you back to... Praetorian? Is there an issue?"
Thespius lowered his head as a sign of respect. "No, my queen. I just came to tell you it is in everyone's best interest that Apollo be allowed to wear his armour at all times going forward while in the palace."
Elaine looked towards my arm and noticed I was now wearing my armour.
"Ah! Right. No problem. That was just a test to judge our Sentinel's character."
