Just as Hornet was about to drift off, a shout startled her out of her thoughts.
It was an attendant. He hurried into the room and called out, "Your Majesty! An urgent document from Watcher Lurien of the City of Tears!"
The adults stopped arguing. Silence briefly fell over the room, and then Hornet heard her father answer, "What?"
The retainer dared not delay. He hurried forward and handed over a confidential letter, his antennae and expression plainly betraying his nerves.
She turned to look at her father and saw his eyes slowly widen as he read the message. The soul charge in the air shifted slightly.
Then he put down the letter and said in an almost perfectly composed tone, "My apologies. I'm afraid we must cut this meeting short."
"Herrah, Vespa, an emergency has arisen in the City of Tears. I must attend to it. You may rest here before returning home."
Then he stood, unfolding his long, slender, draconic body from the chair, and left the room, gesturing for her "brother" to follow.
Herrah rose, her massive frame making nearly all the nearby retainers retreat a few steps.
She ignored their fearful looks and simply called gently, "My dear Hornet, we're leaving."
"We've been away from home long enough. As 'delightful' as ever."
Hornet noticed that when her mother prepared to leave, she used the door opposite her father's.
Hornet followed, waving to Helia as she left:
"Goodbye, dear little sister."
Helia merely rolled her eyes, but still answered, "Yes, yes, see you later."
The young princess also rose and followed the Hive Queen.
"Mother, I'd like to visit Teacher Monomon's archives before going home."
After catching up with Herrah, Hornet made what she considered a small request.
Herrah looked at her daughter without much reaction.
"Very