THE candid conversation with the royal children continued around the elegantly decorated table, but Thalia couldn’t help letting her eyes wander across the gathering, searching for a familiar presence.
Noticing her subtle distraction, Princess Stella leaned toward her and offered a gentle explanation. “The Emperor has an important errand to attend,” she said with a knowing smile, as if she had read Thalia’s thoughts.
“He’s such a workaholic,” Prince Lucas remarked, shaking his head slightly.
“That’s exactly why he needs an Empress by his side,” Prince Alexander added with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Princess Stella chuckled, then turned her attention to her sons. “And what about the two of you?” she asked with deliberate sweetness.
Prince Lucas raised an eyebrow and replied playfull
