Dinner was a surprisingly civilized affair, considering we were sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere.
The Emperor had insisted on maintaining some level of imperial dignity, so we had actual chairs, actual plates, and actual food that wasn't just "whatever we could catch and roast on a stick."
Though honestly, I kind of wanted to try the stick method. It seemed more authentic.
"This is actually quite pleasant," the Emperor said, looking around the campfire with something approaching relaxation. "When was the last time I did something like this? Just...sat outside under the stars?"
"Your Majesty," Lord Harrington said carefully, "you are the Emperor. You don't typically...rough it."
"Exactly! And look what I've been missing!" He gestured expansively at the forest. "Fresh air! Nature! No scheming nobles—" He stopped himself, his expression flickering with something darker before smoothing out again. "Well. A break from the palace, at least."
"Father," I said softly.
