Chapter Text
After getting the apple he makes his way to the emperor’s study and is about to knock before pausing briefly and putting on a mask of indifference. Mask firmly in place he knocks before entering, closing the door behind him and bowing to the emperor, his father, who is sitting at his desk. Cedric goes to sit in the chair in front of the desk and when he gets settled he refocuses on the emperor.
“Father,” he says in what he knows to be a calm voice despite his annoyance “you called for me?”
“Yes, indeed I did. What have you been up to? I haven’t seen you around for the past two weeks and today you even missed lunch.”
Instantly Cedric was caught off guard, the emperor hadn't properly talked with him in 3 years, so this was beyond unusual. More than that he seemed cheerful and was smiling while he spoke. So unusual was it that he wondered if he might have done something to earn his ire recently, but came up blank.
“Sorry, I have been working on the festival, and it has kept me occupied.”
“It’s fine, the festival is a difficult thing to plan. Although I have some good news, your brother, Thalor, is returning in time for the festival and will be staying till spring.”
At that Cedric’s heart dropped. He hadn’t seen him since he went to oversee their army in Frost’s Basin(1). Sometimes he wonders if Thalor left because he wanted nothing to do with Cedric.
“That is good news father! Is there anything else?” He exclaims with a cheer he does not feel. “I wish to finish the festival as soon as possible so everything can be ready in time for his arrival.”
His father laughs lightly “Indeed it is. I wouldn’t want to hold you any longer than necessary. I wish you luck in your planning and hope you will try to keep up on eating so we don’t have to interrupt your important work.”
Cedric nods amicably and slips out of the chair “Of course, and I wish you a good remainder of your day before supper is upon us.”
Then he leaves the study before his mask cracks and panic sets in at the information he had just been given.