The dining room was full of contrasts; a recurring Berinike theme. The undecorated table was large with sturdy legs, the wood thick. Though there was a healthy variety of food to choose from at the center of the table, most of it consisted of food that seemed a bit heavy for lunch -- steak, turkey legs, and potatoes. King Hugo's plate was heaped with these things as well as plenty of vegetables, a mug of wine nearby. The plates and serving platters, however, were delicate, the silverware pristine. Candles around the room would give the space atmosphere in the evenings, but sunlight bathed the room in afternoons such as this one, the windows yielding to a breathtaking view of the valley below them and the distant mountains beyond. A violinist played soothing songs nearby. Servers stood at the ready for the royal family's beck and call.

Unlike her husband, Queen Alexis primly nibbled on a salad. There were two more places set up for two more people. A servant guided Kiara to one of them, pulling out a chair beside the queen. Wine was poured instantly, soup served, and a waiter waited patiently to bring any food that Kiara deemed out of reach.

The remaining empty plate, across from Kiara, had no one sitting before it, and both parents kept passing glances at that seat as they ate.

Ostus was nowhere to be seen, not since the king escorted him away after Kiara's command. Not since Ostus managed to cast her a scathing glare over his shoulder before looking away in defeat.

"You look lovely; much better than before," the queen murmured, though she had barely glanced at Kiara. "Pick whatever you'd like to eat. It's a bit heavy for a lunch to you, I'm sure, but it is Berinike custom, especially to guests."