Misunderstanding
Leaving another annoying snigger, the old man disappeared, not allowing Daneel to say anything in response.
Of course, his words had been branded into Daneel's mind.
Meanwhile, Eloise hurriedly turned around to see the King of Lanthanor standing there, thunderstruck.
"This isn't what it looks like! Elanev and I are childhood friends: his father used to bring him to court many times when he was a kid, and I was the only member of the royal family that he talked to. We maintained our relationship through the years, so that's why he just…"
Seeing Eloise's expression of extreme panic, Daneel's expression softened, as he realized that he had misunderstood.
As for Elanev grasping her hand, even that was explained the next second when Elanev said, "That's true, but who are you explaining yourself to? Is your mom here? And where's the breakfast tray? I'm starving!"
Indeed, it seemed that his elder brother had stretched his hand forward to grasp the breakfast tray, not her hand.