In this scene from Alitus, after delivering a speech about the importance of Betters wearing the veil, Alitus returns home. The veil is a physical garment but also electronic. Betters can see out, but no one can see them, or hear their natural voices, and it suppresses their pheromones, which are addictive to "normals."

Tarth City, Palace District
Imperial Palace, Quarters of Alitus Vivaldi

Alitus entered his apartments and slammed the door behind him. He yanked off the veil, threw it on the floor, and ran both hands through his hair. Shuddering, he tore off his gloves, cast them onto the table in the foyer, and rubbed his face.

After his speech, he'd returned to his office to find it empty, and his entire staff sent home for the night. He'd come home via the usual way, taking the servant's elevator, but this night, there had been no friendly greetings. No one had looked at him. A few had scurried out of his way.

None of the other Betters who worked in the palace were required to veil. Everyone had to know the one in the veil was him. And now the Empress was probably angry with him. Who else had the authority to dismiss his staff?

Grib didn't make his nightly appearance, so Alitus hung up his own jacket and removed his cufflinks. He listened for a moment, but the place seemed isolated, silent. Apparently, she'd sent his household staff away as well.

He'd showered and dressed himself for an evening at home when a knock sounded at his door. When he answered it, the Empress brushed past him and entered.

"I'm glad you answered. I was worried you wouldn't see me."

"I can't imagine such a scenario, Your Majesty." Alitus shut the door. "May I get you a brandy?"

"Please." She began pacing. She was dressed for work, in her uniform, minus the formal sash. A weapon hung at her side.

Alitus poured some of the new brandy for each of them and brought her a glass.

Destoiya sipped it. "I've been thinking about an incident that happened earlier this year, my love. Something I never explained to you. I believe it's time I did. You remember the day you were taken hostage by that tall blond man." She was watching him, waiting.

How could he forget? Alitus tried to calm his breathing, but his heart raced. "Yes."

"It was foolish of him to come in public like that. He should have contacted—" She shook her head. "Never mind. I never told you who he was."

"You mean—" He bit his lips together and put his head down.

"Go on, love. What were you going to say?"

He peeked up at her. "I did some research on him."

"Did you?" Her surprise gave him a small amount of pleasure and made him feel guilty at the same time. "Tell me what you know."