Sure enough, barely two minutes later, Theo and Emma emerged from behind the trees, hastily wrapped in the simple cloaks they kept hidden for exactly this purpose. Theo's hair was disheveled, Emma's cheeks flushed with exertion and embarrassment. They approached our picnic spot with the awkward air of people who knew they'd interrupted something significant.
"Christian," Theo greeted, his formal tone betrayed by the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "We didn't realize this area was... occupied."
"Clearly," I replied dryly. "It's not as if this is my private spot that I've been coming to for over a century."
Emma's eyes had fixed on Lola, recognition flashing across her features. I remembered suddenly that as Queen, she would have reviewed the guest list for their wedding as thor
