"Have a seat."
Emira looked at the man as she entered the dining room and then quickly turned her eyes away. The room was quiet, and there was no one else present except Prince Kael. His presence filled the space, heavy and unyielding, and it made her stomach tighten with worry. She had hoped Prince Zen would be here.
Hurriedly, she sat down, afraid that even the smallest hesitation might anger or offend him. From the corner of her eye she saw his hand shift, and stiffened, bracing herself for the worst. But instead of touching her, he only placed a bowl of porridge in front of her. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Emira blinked at the sight, unsure what to make of it. She glanced up at him, her lips moving quickly. "Th-thank you," she murmured, and lowered her head again. Taking the spoon in her hand, she began to eat in small, careful bites, forcing herself to swallow despite the knot in her throat.
