Compliance

Cafer nearly dropped the tray of tea he was preparing to bring to the table.

"You what?" He asked through gritted teeth. Had he heard correctly?

"I moved the coronation. My sister has fallen deathly ill, and I will not complete the ceremony without her." Alaron pretended not to notice the gnome's anger.

"Of course we want Princess Mairwen there, but you should really reconsider." Cafer brought the tray over and set it down. He hid his annoyance behind a placating smile.

"It is already done. There is nothing to reconsider." Alaron shrugged. "I am surprised," he said as he eyed the tea. "I thought the servant who came to me said you wanted to make amends, Cafer, and yet you did not even inquire after the health of my sister. Your thoughts went straight to how you were affected. It is as if you did not care at all." Alaron tapped the tips of his fingers together as he waited for the response.

Cafer was taken aback. Somehow this boy had placed him on the defensive. Alaron was usually hang