"Yes, what is it you wanted to say?" Vyan asked, his usual polished smile on display.
"Actually, I, um…" Maria hesitated, clearly summoning every ounce of courage. She opened her mouth, but before any confession could escape, there was a knock.
Like a well-timed lifeline, a door appeared on the wall and Clyde strode in.
"Good evening, Your Imperial Highness," Clyde greeted, practically beaming. "I trust your stay here has been nothing short of splendid?"
"Oh, yes. Yes, quite splendid indeed," Maria replied, her cheeks suddenly flushed as she found herself stumbling over her words.
"That's wonderful to hear," Clyde chirped, before pivoting smoothly to Vyan. "Your Grace, Freya has requested your immediate attention. It seems there were a few oversights in the documents you reviewed earlier, and she needs your expertise to correct them posthaste."
