Althea quickly stepped in before the butler could answer.

“Mother, Gavriel already went to call them personally. They may take a little longer since we arrived with a guest, and they likely stopped for a brief conversation in the garden. He sent me ahead so no one would worry. We can begin dinner while waiting for them.”

“Oh, alright then,” the Queen Mother hummed in understanding.

Althea quickly took her seat.

She could only hope Gavriel would finish everything as quickly as ...