When the last tray was positioned and the servers stepped back, Edward moved to the edge of the room and dismissed them with a motion so clean it bordered on imperial decree. The door clicked shut behind the last one.
Then he stayed.
Gabriel didn't comment right away. He watched Edward with that particular kind of fond suspicion that only he could manage, half insulted, half reassured.
Damian, already cutting into the roasted duck with mechanical grace, didn't so much as glance up. "Are we to assume you're joining us, or merely ensuring we chew each bite the proper number of times?"
Edward slid into the nearest chair with a fluidity that betrayed how long he'd intended to stay. "You've both ignored protocol and dietary regulations for four days. Forgive my persistence in preserving the line of succession."
"Edward, relax, before I recover enough to use ether." Gabriel said while enjoying his meal.
