"A ball? With you?" Kel questioned.
"Mmm," the emperor nodded. His eyes lingered on her face, but he seemed distracted. It was as if he was looking straight through her.
"... How could I possibly?" Kel asked softly, unable to pull her eyes away from his.
The emperor continued to gaze silently for a few seconds before suddenly snapping back to focus.
"I want you to," he said simply as if that explained everything. His grip on Kel's chin softened as he spoke, and she quickly pulled her head away.
"Even if you say that..." she trailed off, dabbing her forehead against her arm. She was beginning to feel overheated.
"It will take place in three days," the emperor continued, offering a hand to help Kel to her feet. "There will be someone to escort you to the main palace."
