"Your Majesty," Kel bowed elegantly as Thane brought her to a halt in front of the emperor.
"Princess," the emperor smiled.
Thane dropped to one knee, crossing his fist against his chest before assuming a position off to the side.
Kel studied the empty spot on the emperor's left side where his consort would usually be placed. After thinking for a few moments, she decided to follow Thane to the right instead. Though there wasn't a designated place for hostage princesses, she figured this was the most appropriate.
After several minutes of standing, Kel had an idea. Perhaps this would be a good time to clarify what exactly was going through the emperor's mind when it came to her. She tiptoed a few steps closer to the emperor until she was sure he could hear her whispering.
"Um, Y-your Highness?" she said quietly.
"Yes?" The emperor didn't take his eyes off the main floor.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
