Kael was still trying to reorganize his own sense of reality when Hadriam made a nonchalant gesture with his hand, turning aside as if remembering something trivial.
"Ah, I almost forgot," he said. "Bring more tea. For Kael."
One of the imperial maids, who until then had remained motionless near the columns as part of the decoration, immediately bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She moved with silent steps, replacing Kael's cup with another steaming one, the soft aroma of herbs filling the space between them. Kael murmured an automatic thank you, still somewhat dazed, and brought the cup to his lips.
Hadriam observed everything attentively… and then, suddenly, the wide smile diminished.
It didn't disappear completely, but it lost that childlike, almost silly air. The Emperor's shoulders straightened, his gaze gained weight, and the atmosphere of the hall seemed to subtly, yet unmistakably, change.
