When Daphne finally returned to the council chamber, the conversation had resumed but the air was different.
Alaric was already seated again beside the Emperor, his face calm and unreadable, though his jaw was set in that tight way she recognized all too well.
Katherine glanced up when Daphne entered, concern flickering briefly in her eyes before she composed herself.
The teacher looked up from the parchment he was sketching on. "Ah, there you are, Starflower," he said lightly, though his tone carried the awareness that something had transpired. "I was beginning to think your husband had locked you in the infirmary."
The corner of Daphne's mouth twitched despite herself. "He wouldn't dare."
Alaric didn't look up, but his silence said enough.
Arin, seated at the head of the table, gestured for her to take her seat. "We were just discussing the next step, Daphne," he said gently, his voice was steady but it carried that quiet undertone of command that came naturally to him.
