Rin was still locked away in her room with Xena by the time I was finished bathing, and I hesitated outside of the door for a moment before I hurried back upstairs.
I didn't want to talk to her, or to cause any more of a conflict with Xena, and I decided it would be better to pack the things I considered important away in case I had to leave suddenly. I didn't expect Caius to arrive unannounced, but I knew better than to second guess him and I wanted to be prepared to be safe.
Rin appeared at the door as I packed the gift Marius had given me away, and I pretended that I hadn't seen her there until she cleared her throat
"Rin…"
She interrupted me rather brusquely.
"...you need to get ready. You've got an engagement this afternoon. I suspect you will find it is the Emperor."
"You
