After his meeting with the Emperor, Charles was surprised to find Benjamin's room empty. Upon inquiry, he learned that Benjamin was in the tea room with Princess Sofia, Princess Ara, and Prince Zaid.
As Charles made his way to the tea room, he found Shirin waiting for him. They walked together to the tea room, with Shirin inquiring where he had been and Charles doing his best to dodge the question.
When they arrived at the team room, the room was filled with the warm sound of overlapping conversations and laughter. Ara and Benjamin were seated next to each other, across from Sofia and Zaid.
When Shirin and Charles walked in, the group exchanged greetings before the lively chatter resumed. Shirin took a seat next to Zaid, while Charles sat next to Benjamin.
Benjamin had been sitting slightly turned toward Ara. They were catching up with one another. He had been telling her about his years as a doctor and his clinic in Aster, while Ara spoke of her years at university.
