"I can see that you are very busy, Your Highness. I will take my leave now," Evie said, turning back.
"Stop right there!" the emperor thundered. "Where do you think you are going?" he said, stopping Evie in her tracks.
"Let's all go and have lunch to welcome Lady Elara back to the palace," the emperor said, prying Isabella's claws off his arms and leading them to the dining room, and Evie's hesitation disappeared immediately when she saw the spread on the big table; it looked as though the emperor had gone all out.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Evie said, taking the furthest seat from him, all her attention fixed on the table before her, while Isabella squeezed into the closest seat to the emperor and Eldric took the seat opposite Evie and set a napkin on his lap, just as Evie did, as they waited for the emperor to start, and Reign had a sour look, looking at Evie at the end of the table.**
"Can you two move closer?" he asked.
