Caius had expected his cousin to be with him when he broke the bad news to his mother. Still, Rylen had excused himself immediately after breakfast, saying he had things to attend to and offering no further details.
Caius couldn't begin to imagine what could possibly be more important right now other than this, but he didn't press and he let Rylen excuse himself; Violeta Ravenor was his mother after all, and one could say it was his duty.
"Might I have a word, Mother?" he asked as she stood up to leave the dining room. "Privately," he added when she stared at him oddly, as though stating he could speak now.
He could see her shock at his words, it wasn't often he asked to speak to her privately. It was usually her seeking him out.
"Perhaps later, son. I have to go see His Majesty now."
Caius was on his feet before he realized. "I insist," he said with what he hoped was a smile. He couldn't ignore the tension he could feel; this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.
