"I already did that today," Gabriel said, deadpan.
Crista approached one of the garden arches, looking at the frozen landscape outside. In the Capital winter came faster than in the rest of the Empire."Then consider your duties fulfilled for the morning. You can return to your scandalous lounging in peace."
Before Gabriel could reply, the clatter of hurried footsteps broke the calm.
Irina burst through the garden archway, curls a little windblown and cheeks pink from running, her dress slightly askew in a way that made a few nearby ladies blink in surprise. She looked wildly out of place in a garden full of silk whispers and sharpened smiles.
"Your Grace!" she called, clearly forgetting protocol in her panic.
Gabriel arched a brow. "Unless you've been poisoned or set fire to something, I advise you to lower your volume."
Irina didn't so much as pause. "The Emperor's here."
Crista turned, one brow lifted. "Here?"
