Kell did try to pull her chair out for her -- but he was quick to shoot her a look right back, then sit down next to her, remembering himself and where he was.

Emira's dark eyes took in the byplay, while Maxim's remained fixed on Neria, as if weighing her.

They could hardly keep you in the dungeons, Kell wanted to answer, but he schooled his tongue (and may have thought it too loudly, a bad habit).

"Of course," Emira responded politely, and moved the tea tray closer to them both in offer. One glance at Kell, and he automatically moved to pour them each a cup, if only to have something to do with his hands. "It seems your arrival was as much of a surprise to you as it was to us."

Kell shut his eyes for longer than a blink. The words were pleasant enough, but the question was there.