“Councilor,” she said, forcing her voice to be airy and light. “How good to see you.” She moved toward him gracefully, thankful she was dressed for dinner in one of her finer gowns. “How good of a surprise?” She turned the statement into a question with an inflection of her voice.
The councilor had said nothing about meeting them in Falqri.
Something was not right.
“A good surprise, indeed,” Councilor Younn replied, bowing over her hand. “How are the two lovebirds enjoying their wedding trip?” He looked around her at Sol.
Meena turned and slipped her arm into Sol’s elbow, pulling him closer to herself and into the conversation.
Sol had tried to put a smile on his face, but as usual, it was making him appear far more uncomfortable than his typical scowl did.
“One of us is enjoying ourselves very much,” she said pointedly in a sugary sweet voice. She squeezed Sol’s arm. “And that is all that matters, isn’t it?” She smiled warmly at the councilor, as though they were sharing an inside jest.
“Indeed, Princess.” Younn smiled broadly in return, but his eyes flickered back to Sol. “It is good to see you so happy.”
Meena laughed. It was an obnoxious sound in a ridiculously high register, and she instantly regretted it. But once she had started, she couldn’t stop without sounding suspicious, so she finished it to the very end of its squeaking, scraping sound.
“What brings you to Falqri, Councilor?” Sol asked, his voice curt behind the stony smile still on his face.
“My king sent me on ... an urgent mission,” Younn responded.
“Oh?” Meena opened her eyes wide and leaned in. “Why so secretive?” she whispered.
Younn dropped his eyes to her. This time, the smile on his face felt a little forced, as though he were bored or annoyed by her cloying charm.
Good. That was how she wanted it.
“No secret,” he replied. “Just urgent matters to attend to for our royal sovereign.”
“Your royal sovereign,” Meena said, straightening back up. “I am my own royal sovereign.”
Younn’s real smile returned. “If you say so, Princess,” he indulged. “Though I believe the term ‘sovereign’ is reserved for the ruling king, not his entire family.” He leaned forward as he patronizingly corrected her.
“Is it?” Meena responded with indignation. “How very rude. If I am ever king, I shall change that instantly.”
Younn laughed.
Jules entered the hall, walking quickly toward the small group. Ezra was at his side, her long strides easily keeping up with his.
“Councilor,” Jules said, coming to a respectful stop in front of his superior. “This is unexpected.”
“Are you unprepared for me to see your progress at your new station?” Younn asked. His mouth was smiling, but he lifted an eyebrow.
“Of course not,” Jules responded, the straight line of his back was a far cry from his usually relaxed stance. “I mean, of course, you are always welcome.”
“I have heard good reports,” Younn said.
Jules relaxed slightly. “I hope your visit will exceed expectations, Councilor.”
“I’m sure it shall.” He turned to Ezra, who had stood silently at her husband’s side. “My lady.” He bowed.
“Younn,” Ezra responded. “You are always welcome in our home.”
Meena did not miss the way she addressed the councilor on a first-name basis. Not even her husband had done so.
“Thank you, Ezra,” he responded.
“My dearest,” Jules said, turning to his wife. “Shall we alert the kitchen that we will have our supper at the fort tonight?”
