And after a few seconds Cali was the first to react.
"Ah…" she said, not looking away. "I… I'd better… come back later."
She set the tray of food down on a small table near the door.
"Much, much later… Dinner… dinner can wait… You two… you two carry on… Excuse me."
Before Cali could finish turning around to slip out the door, she felt a hand grab her firmly.
Emilia had reached her with surprising speed, blocking her escape.
"M-Miss Emilia?" Cali stammered, trying to free herself from her grip. "What… what are you doing? Really, there's no need to—"
But Emilia wouldn't let her escape.
Instead, she gripped her firmly by the shoulders, turned her around, and gave her a smile Cali had never seen before.
It was strangely serene, yet filled with a determination that made her shiver.
"Cali," Emilia said with feigned calm. "Now that I think about it… you're also one of His Majesty's wives, right?"
Cali stiffened.
"E-eh? Well… t-technically yes, I'm one of his concubines, but I—"
