The four knights immediately shifted into a tight diamond formation around me, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords with practiced precision. One of them, his visor up just enough to show a serious expression, asked, "Where do you wish to go, Your Imperial Highness?"
I tapped my chin, running through my mental checklist. Elena is buried in paperwork. Rhaegor is currently a couch potato. Elin has vanished into thin air to escape my embarrassment. Mirael... well, I'm definitely not ready for more 'baby sibling' talk. And Grandpa Eldric? I always seem to end up accidentally poking at his old wounds.
"To the Crown Prince's room," I said with a decisive nod.
The knights saluted and began to march. Being the Imperial Consort has its perks, I thought, watching the hallway clear as staff bowed to the diamond of steel protecting me. Not bad at all.
