Still Rain's POV

"Baby, are you feeling okay? In the heat of the discussion, we forgot that all this could affect your mood". Ralph looks at me guiltily, my fiance is genuinely concerned. "Come, let me take you to your apartment. You need rest. I will ask the servants to get your food to your chambers. Come with me, my love".

He holds me by the hand and leads me away from Ivor and Eric, who are still sitting in the dining room, staring blankly ahead. Ralph's parents have gone through the door like roaring lions, followed by the defeated Sages sighing. This has not become the conversation we were...