King Wuxian and Queen Rei received Benjamin in the main receiving room of the east wing, seated on low cushioned chairs with tea already poured. They rose when Benjamin entered, which caught him off guard.
Queen Rei studied him from the moment he stepped through the door. She leaned slightly toward her husband.
"He's the one," she murmured. "I'm certain of it."
King Wuxian gave a small nod. "I can see it too."
They greeted him with a warmth that felt unguarded for royalty. Their hands were clasped over his, and they had genuine smiles rather than performed ones. They told him he was welcome to stay as long as he needed.
When he mentioned he would be returning to Aster soon, the King and Queen exchanged a look.
"Ara worries for you," Queen Rei said. "You've been through a great deal. Surely a few more weeks wouldn't set you back too terribly." She kept her voice gentle, her eyes moving carefully over him.
The Queen pressed her elbow discreetly into the King's ribs.
