The married couple ate in surprising silence.

The household servants tried to lighten the mood with a few jokes, but the young married couple didn't smile. Soon, the servants fell silent.

As they neared the end of the meal, Lorian put down his utensils and looked at Tegan. He spoke softly, "The photo was taken by a reporter. Nothing happened last night. I won't be inviting the female celebrity's company again."

Tegan understood that this was his attempt at an explanation.

She believed Lorian