Chương 116: Chapter 108.5 Chosen After Dinner

The doors to the smaller dining room open as The Chosen and his family begin to leave. The Empress shakes each of their respective hands with a calculated smile. The Chosen responds with a similarly planned bow that is low, but not too low. An exchange that was prepared without any real preparation beforehand. In a way, the Empress and Chosen One seem almost cut from the same cloth. Some would find this comforting. Penelope does not.

"Thank you for joining us, Carlos. May you get back safely," Empress Calliope says as CJ begins to leave.

"It was my pleasure. Please, have a lovely night," CJ says as the door closes. The moment the door closes and the footsteps have dulled, Empress Calliope turns to the room.

"Alfira." Alfira appears from seemingly nowhere.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"What is the status of the guard?" she says as she sits back down at the head of the table.

"He is fine, Ma'am. Although he is a bit shaken," Alfira answers in a delicate manner.

"Mother, I do not see why you had to antagonize The Chosen One like that?" Penelope asks in a slightly more careful manner than usual. Empress Calliope's golden eyes land on her daughter.

"Valerian, could you answer your sister's question?" Valerian sighs.

"It was a way of testing his character. If he lashed out, it would mean something. If he remained calm, it would mean something. If he did nothing, it would mean something," he answers. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"Exactly. Although that plan was ruined," she says as her eyes land on Alfira. Alfira gives a deep bow.

"Apologies, Ma'am. I will be more careful next time."

"Oh, I don't blame you. Things got rather out of hand quickly. It was good that you were there. Wasn't it?" she asks as she looks at Penelope.

"My apologies, Mother. I had sent Alfira before I had learned of your intentions. I will be more careful in the future," Penelope lies. The sound of Marigold letting out a yawn cuts the tension in the room. Heath wipes the sleep from her eyes. Barely awake, her head bobs.

"Mother, it would seem that it is past Mari's bedtime. Could we be excused?" Heath asks.

"Of course. The first day of the new quarter is tomorrow. I would implore you all to get some rest." Heath picks up the half-asleep Marigold and leaves the room. Valerian quickly follows, and so would Penelope, except she stops at the door.

"Is something wrong?" Empress Calliope asks with a hint of worry.

"What… What did you think of him?" Penelope asks, her face hidden by the door. A soft smile, not calculated, but genuine, crosses Calliopes face.

"He seems like a well-mannered boy. Although I'm not sure how I felt about him constantly sneaking glances at you."

"Ah, I see. Have a good night, Mother," Penelope says as she quickly leaves the room. Calliope shakes her head.

"Children. Keep an eye on them, Alfira," she says with a small laugh.

"Of course, Ma'am. Shall I inform the Emperor on how dinner went?" Alfira asks delicately. Empress Calliope pinches the bridge of her nose.

"It's best if I do it. You know him."

"Yes, Ma'am."