"Would you like to have something else, Your Highness? Perhaps fruit juice?"
In response, Arlan took the cup of lukewarm tea, taking careful sips that made it apparent he was not even tasting his drink.
None of his servants dared disturb his mood. Because of his silence, even those officials nearby inevitably moved in a quieter manner, mindful to make as little sound as possible.
After he finished the cup of tea, Oriana got the empty cup back from him. "Would you like to have us brew another pot, Your Highness?" Because Arlan took his sweet time drinking, the tea that Neil brewed had long cooled off. Her voice was as polite as it could be, careful to match the prince's solemn mood.
Arlan didn't reply, but from his body language— the way he folded his hands behind his back— it made it clear that he didn't want to be served more tea.
"Your Highness, would you like to have snacks?" she asked tentatively.
