Alfons took the nearest empty sofa that kept him well clear of Roderic.
That was not an accident.
In a Vaelion room, distance spoke, and a seat could be read as confidence or insult or weakness. Alfons had learned that nonsense before he learned half his spells. He lowered himself onto the pale cushion, crossed one ankle over the other, back straight.
'Wonderful. Not a private lecture, then. We are doing this with an audience.'
Lucard's mouth curved from where he sprawled across the opposite sofa. "Careful with that face, Alfons. Keep it up and someone might think you actually missed us."
Alfons did not bother to look at him. "I missed the furniture more."
"Charming as ever." Lucard's laugh was soft.
Elysette tapped one gloved finger against her knee. "If the two of you are finished demonstrating exactly why Father waited this long to include the younger heirs, perhaps we can begin."
