Restless was the night within the Emperor's palace as sleep eluded its inhabitants. The King and Queen of Emoria found themselves confined in the throne room with Claude de Lanark, while the Archduke and Archduchess emerged late, commencing a private meeting with Emoria's Crown Prince in Adela's assigned chamber.
Egon pulled out a chair for Adela, positioning himself across from her, while Noctaivan settled between them. Her gaze oscillated between her husband's composed expression and her son's anxious one, seeking answers she feared discovering.
"What occupies your thoughts, Mother?"
There was no purpose in delaying the difficult inquiries.
"…The two of you…Were you aware of anything regarding Andreas's intentions and the events of this evening?"
"No," Egon asserted earnestly.
