Silence followed Julian's words. No one could question him if he said it like that. Pressing further would be disrespectful to the Empress present there and seen as intentionally speculating about the Emperor's private affairs while in the Palace grounds.
Julian did not give lady Selene the satisfaction of an exposed secret or a narrowed eye that often came with guilt. He didn't even look at her, instead, he decided to use his own mind, whatever was left of it, to shift the mood of the gathering.
"The orchids in this Conservatory are quite remarkable, Your Majesty," Julian said, his voice a smooth, scholarly tone. "To maintain such vibrant life against the palace chill is a testament to the care of your gardeners. The sight alone is a far better tonic than any medicine I could receive."
The Empress let out a slow, shallow breath, her shoulders losing part of their rigid tension.
