The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard

Author:Victoria Goddard [Goddard, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988908144
Google: sx5QwQEACAAJ
Publisher: Underhill Books
Published: 2018-09-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty-Four

A MONTH OR SO BEFORE his family were due to arrive, Cliopher had thought of what they could do, and had on Ser Rhodin’s suggestion made reservations for them all at one of the restaurants down in the city. Ser Rhodin spent much of his free time exploring the food scene of Solaara, and could always be relied on to give good recommendations.

Cliopher had forgotten all about the reservation until Zaoul came by with a letter from the restaurant asking him to confirm the number of guests to be expected the next night.

The thought of just taking a whole evening off to be with his family was almost irresistible.

“You seem somewhat preoccupied,” his Radiancy observed after the greetings were over and Cliopher was determinedly going through the list of things his Radiancy needed to know about.

Cliopher blanched and said, “I am sorry, my lord, if I am at all inattentive.”

“I am sure your every thought revolves around me,” his Radiancy replied with the blandest assurance and a mischievous quirk to his mouth. “What is on your mind, Cliopher?”

“I was wondering if it is entirely irresponsible of me to take tomorrow evening off to go to a restaurant down in the city with my family,” he admitted. “I had booked the reservations before they came, but that was, of course, before ...” he trailed off, realizing he was getting into dangerous water. It was probably the fact that they were not in their usual places in the outer study, but in the breakfast room where his Radiancy, enveloped in rich robes, reclined at ease. “It is no matter, my lord. If we might turn to this next report from Amboloyo—”

“Kip.”

“My lord?”

His Radiancy regarded him for a long and uncomfortable period. “Have you spent any time with your family since they arrived?”

Cliopher swallowed dryly and tried to look indifferent. “I have taken most of my meals with them, my lord. My nephew has been showing them around, and of course Vinyë and my mother have been most gratified to play and read to you, and—”

“I do not think the government will collapse if you take tomorrow off.”

“My lord, there is a great deal to do.”

His Radiancy resettled himself against his pillows and said amiably, “That is an order, Lord Mdang.”

“My lord!”

His Radiancy chuckled. “I know: send Zaoul in to see me in the morning, and I will audit your work over the past ten days. Make sure you leave the Palace entirely, mind. Oh, and if your family will not object, take Conju with you, would you? He has been almost as assiduously overworked as you.”

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