The trio looked at each other, unsure how they felt about this, yet also knowing they didn't really have a choice in the matter anyway.
"Of course," Zahra finally nodded after they looked at him again. Her two companions looked a little wry, but Zahra actually looked surprisingly content, seemingly having come to some kind of decision.
"Maghradi will always welcome its emperor," she stated with sincerity, even bowing her head a little. "And so will I."
Erik cocked a curious, pleased eyebrow from atop the throne. "That's good to hear, Zahra. Thank you. No need to be so stiff, though. Respect is good, but I encourage you to speak your mind and not to act any differently from normal."
Lifting her head again, Zahra nodded seriously and took his words to heart. From Erik's shoulder, Elora grinned with satisfaction. Emma barely reacted, but Astrid smirked knowingly. Nasir and Zohran glanced at Zahra with complicated emotions, but said nothing.
