The rest of their meal went well and was soon over. Nectar smacked her lips as she rubbed her stomach lightly, " That was delicious ". Fauna and Tera took a bow, " Thank you for letting us help, your majesty ".
Nectar laughed, letting them help her up " I just feel bad you two couldn't have anything. It would have been torture for me ". Fauna smiled, " Only our empress could be so thoughtful ".
Nectar's eyes suddenly lit up, " I'll just ask Sister Athena then ". Tera smiled gently, " You don't have to do that for us your majesty ". Fauna nodded in agreement, " Lord Soul says it isn't very ladylike ".
Nectar rolled her eyes [ I'll deal with him later ] " Wasting food is also not ladylike " and crossed to the other side of the table. She waved at Athena as she closed the distance between them," The meal was wonderful Athena ".
Athena nodded calmly, " I'm glad you liked it " [ But you won't like this ] Reli was silently panicking [ We lied to an emperor and spoke against the empress, we're in so much trouble ] and hit her head on the table.
Dodwen smiled, patting her back while also panicking internally [ Eros will deal with me if he finds out Nectar doesn't really have a surprise for him. But then again, Nectar will deal with me for letting the situation escalate like this ]
Nectar pointed at Reli, obviously concerned " Is she okay? I didn't know there was wine here ". Reli looked up and smiled, " I'm fine but I could really use a drink ". Nectar patted her head, " Don't worry, we'll get to the castle soon ".
Nectar frowned as she touched Melanie's forehead, " Are you okay? You look so pale ". Melanie looked up at her, lip quivering " I've done something terrible Sister Empress ".
Nectar tilted her head to the side with a smile, " It can't be that bad ". The other three who were behind Nectar gave Melanie warning looks, even Reli ended up raising her head and whispered, " Don't do it ".
Melanie suddenly hugged Nectar's waist, startling her " Promise you won't be mad ". She sighed, " I'll try my best ". Melanie looked up, already teary eyed. The three behind her slammed their heads on the table and Nectar turned sideways to see them, " Are you sure your all alright "?
The four looked up at Nectar, Melanie still stuck to her waist after telling her what had happened. Nectar suddenly laughed after a few seconds of silence and stroked Melanie's hair, " Then I'll just have to think of a surprise. Thank you all for trying to help ".
Dodwen was the most dumbfounded and blinked several times, " Your majesty is not upset "? Nectar shook her head, " Not really. Anyways, I came to ask Athena for a favour ".
Athena stood up, one hand on chest and the other on the table, " As long as it is within my power ". Nectar giggled slightly, touching Athena's cheek " You're a lot more energetic than I remember ".
Athena nodded in agreement, already walking away " I shall not disappoint you Sister. One of everything you will get ". Reli looked up at Nectar, fiddling with her hands " We're really sorry Sister. We were only trying to help ".
Again Nectar nodded, " Don't think too much of it ". Melanie hugged her tighter, " Let us help you come up with something then ". Reli nodded in agreement, " Can we ride with you "? Nectar nodded in response and Melanie sniffed slightly, " I'm curious, the platinum blonde girl said your carriage was marvelous ".
Nectar nodded, " All right, it's settled. We'll ride together ". Dodwen was already feeling relieved when Nectar called him, " However, I do need to borrow Lord Dodwen for a while ".
Dodwen gulped as he forced a weak smile, " At your service my empress " [ I have a bad feeling about this ] Nectar smiled slightly, " Alright, let's get going ".