492 492. Marceline and Alaric

"She's late!" Jael said, his frown apparent.

Mauve half expected him to bang his palm on the table with how angry he sounded. Lady Marceline seemed to effortlessly get under his skin.

"It's expected," Louis said softly as he tried to de-escalate the situation. "She just arrived a mere ten minutes ago. It's expected that she will be a little late."

"Give her five more minutes. I am sure she knows that the last meal will begin soon."

"Soon?" Jael asked sarcastically. "It was supposed to have commenced over ten minutes ago. Besides, there is no reason to wait for her. She can always join us whenever she wishes."

"A few more minutes wouldn't hurt, right Mauve?"

Mauve's eyes widened as she stared at Louis in shock. Why would he drag her into this? She didn't want to be in the middle of whatever this was. She could tell it wasn't going to go well.

"Should we wait for a few more minutes?" Jael asked.