Hugo and Alexis fell into idle chit-chat for at least ten minutes. It was the sort of empty conversation that was had when you knew everything about a person and what they did that day but needed to talk to pass the time for the mere sake of talking.

Finally, Queen Alexis set her fork down. "He's lost track of time again," she snapped, clearly fuming. "I [i]told[/i] him this was important. I [i]told[/i] him Princess Kiara was here. Still, he does not come!"

"He probably lost track of time at the library again," King Hugo muttered. "I never understood that boy -- why read about something when you can live it?"

"He's a daydreamer and idealist like you."

"Yes, but I only read when necessary."

"Well, I'm getting sick and tired of him--"

"I'll go get him," King Hugo muttered, setting his napkin down. Even the Berinike king knew of matters. He began to rise out of his chair.

"Wait." Queen Alexis shot Kiara a sly grin. "Have Princess Kiara fetch him. Alone."

The king raised an eyebrow, giving his wife a look as though she were daft. "Alone? She doesn't even know where the library is."

"One of the servants will escort her there and will make sure she finds him. Perhaps, after Lamont sees her, she can manage to convince him to join us at the table." She smiled at Kiara, though it was strained with hard expectation. "Go on; if your betrothed won't come to you, you'll simply have to go to him."