'The Astrapi Kingdom?' I thought in perplexity, wondering why this northern neighbour of ours would seek an audience with us. And one that seemed to scream in significance, considering the rush of the butler and Darius' delivered words.
"Tell the Grand Vizier I will be there shortly." I replied, as the man respectfully bowed and quickly left.
I then returned my attention to my mother, wanting to finish making my amends before I deal with the foreign emissaries, but before I could open my mouth, my mother removed herself from my embrace, her face now returned to her usual bright and warm expression, that always manged to further enhance her already enchanting beauty as she said "Go now, you mustn't leave duty waiting, and Darius wouldn't have called you if it was unnecessary. But be prepared to pay dearly for what you did to this old lady, young man. Understand?"
