Beep!
The sharp tone jolted the disguised Empress awake, though no one else around her had flinched. Everyone in the room was already standing with uneasy expressions, shifting from one foot to another. Hers, however, was born from an entirely different storm of emotions.
She couldn't help it. Her eyes kept stealing glances at her son.
Xavier was steady as ever, posture perfect, but she noticed how he always kept close—so very close—to the cadet at his side. That boy, Luca Kyros, seemed determined to shadow Duke Leander instead, following the Duke as the man stomped back and forth while anxiously watching as the space button was passed from one technician to another.
Every time the technicians tried another machine, Duke Leander shifted position, and Luca trailed faithfully after him. And every time, Xavier's steps subtly shifted too, like a silent tether kept him near both of them.
Then she heard it.
A sweet, clear voice. "Papa!"
Her ears twitched at the word.
