Remaining silent and attentive, Vincent watched the Empress lead the Shantarran ambassador behind the throne for a private word, ordering everyone else to remain behind. Outwardly, his face was expressionless. But on the inside, his curiosity arose.<br/><br/>The Grand Commander was no fool. He noticed the inconsistency of Eclypsia’s behavior… berating Sukkana at one moment, then granting her a private audience the next. Even though the court (if it could be called such with only a handful of people currently present) said nothing, he could assume they thought the Empress might be giving her a harsh talking-to about proper conduct. He, however, had a different theory. In his mind, it did not seam like this was meant to scold the ambassador, but rather… to apologize to her.<br/><br/>Confused, he pondered deeper into the matter. It was really only just a hunch. But if he was right, why should the Empress feel the need to apologize? It was the ambassador, mocking Levantine with her suggestive mannerisms, who should apologize. But… Maybe Eclypsia did not see it that way. Perhaps she thought it was a greater insult to shun this new ambassador after only a moment’s impression, and she now wished to say sorry on behalf of the court.<br/><br/>When he realized this, he felt suddenly ashamed. He had spent too long under the command of the cold, uncaring Regent Gregal, even if it was against his will. This Empress Eclypsia had the wisdom and grace of someone much older than her - she was sure to make a fine ruler. But Vincent was a man of honor, and it embarrassed him to think that someone else considered it necessary to apologize on his behalf. If he wished to follow his Empress in the creation of a newer, better, more accepting Levantine, then he would have to start with accepting Sukkana.