After they had composed themselves, Geneva accomplished her mission quickly, and Allegra suspected that her mother had given her consent without consulting Xander, and she harbored hope that Nor was equally inclined to see her after such a long absence. As Geneva hurriedly helped her to dress, she prepared herself mentally for whatever state of dysfunction her parents might be enduring. Now, sitting at a too-long table in the formal dining room, Allegra was quietly pleased to find her parents as miserable as she. The queen had fallen into silence after the requisite greetings and the trivial but untrue observations on their well-being. Xander had not spoken at all. Allegra noticed that he had not touched his meal, choosing instead to break the day with drink. The princess waited for her mo
