Emira nodded, and finally lifted her teacup to take a drink, letting everyone's nerves settle. Though she didn't quite smile there was something far more settled about her, something less of a strung bow in the play of muscle in Maxim's shoulders.

Kell didn't reach for her, not in front of them. But he relaxed as she did, and beneath the table he settled his foot alongside hers, the side of his boot pressed against her own. Steady.

"Where's Rhy?" he asked. He could feel that he was close, somewhere in the castle, feeling the echoed slap of Kell's emotions. Stressed.

"Putting together the last of the preparations," Maxim answered. "Our guests are due to arrive before sundown." He paused, lifted his eyes to take Kell in. "You are still expected to be present."

"Yes," Kell answered, sighing heavily, and Emira frowned at him over the rim of her teacup -- a flicker of something long-worn and stern. Motherly.

"Sir," Kell added. "We will be there."