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She could drag things out for only so long. Finally, she had to admit that both her bowl and her mug were empty. It was time to head home. She heaved a sigh, checked her mug one last time, and stood to leave. If she could fall asleep fast enough, she wouldn't have to dwell on the fact that...

Was it just her, or was that an arrogant little smirk on that captain's face? Dove narrowed her eyes, hidden mostly behind the shadow of her low-pulled hat, and watched them disappear into the back room. She must have imagined it. She dismissed the thought for now and returned to her soup...

Dove sat in the back corner of the Scarlet Rose tavern, sipping her weekly allowance of alcohol: one small glass. Not even a full pint. Her business mader her enough money to eat food made by someone else while sitting down at a table that was going to be cleaned by someone else once a week...

Malisia's staring made Eleazar very uncomfortable. He was fully aware of how much she was looking at him, but he actively worked to ignore it and pretend he didn't notice. Why did she keep staring? Surely she had better things to look at, like her own book. Supposedly, she loved him...

Eleazar peered at the page in his book. He couldn't read as fast as she recited it, but it seemed to be correct. "I think you might need new books if you can recite it from memory. That, or it is a favorite of yours. Or perhaps your mind is just that sharp?" He turned the page, attempting...

Eleazar picked one of the books at random and settled down to read it. Or at least pretend to read it. In truth, he was not a good reader. He read official documents and understood them, but it took him on average twice as long as other officials. He didn't like reading because he was such a...

Eleazar murmured and hemmed and hawed for a moment, muttering about random things. "I suppose I could spend some time reading," he finally said, fighting to keep the grudging tone from his voice. "It has been a long time since I have... just read a book." He turned his attention to his...

Eleazar heard the sniffle and looked at Malisia sharply. Was she getting ill? Now was not a good time to get ill. It was a good thing she was planning to stay in. Perhaps he should have the servants bring her more herbal teas to boost her immune system. "I did not have much in mind for...

The next morning, the servants entered with the usual trays of breakfast, hot and ready to be eaten. Eleazar followed a few steps behind and stood to the side as they set everything up. "After everything that happened yesterday, I thought it might be wise if you took today a little... easier,"...

Duke Perovskia walked down the dimly lit hallway grumbling quietly to himself as he went. The lights ahead of him suddenly flickered out. He stopped and frowned. He turned and saw the lights behind were already out. The hair on his arms prickled, and he raised his fists protectively...

"Of course, Princess. I will always be at your disposal," he replied smoothly. So long as her desires did not conflict with whatever Eleazar wanted from him, but he did not think that needed to be said. "You are welcome, and you need only ask if ever you need anything." He continued walking...

"We can deal with that later," Lance said, guiding her along another well-lit street. "If you need to walk, I can walk with you, but if you are tired of walking or wish to do something else, I am more than happy to oblige. You have had a very long day, and I would not wish for you to tire...

"Of course," Lance murmured quietly, his expression inscrutable. "Well, I suppose this is where I might say, 'all is well that ends well.' You were able to retrieve your feather and you were able to return home safely. There could have been far worse outcome to be certain. I am glad you are...

"I see. And the Duke? He sent with you three bodyguards to aid you?" Lance asked lightly. "That was helpful of him. He had them ready for you?"

"What an odd tradition for a country that considers itself so much more advanced than ours," Lance mused. "Not that I mean to be rude, Princess, I beg your pardon, but that is the sort of tradition our people are scoffed at for having. Most curious." He lifted his face to the sky for a moment...

"Please do not apologize for allowing yourself to feel and to express your emotions," Lance said gently. "At least not here and now when we are in private. You are free to express yourself to me however you need to. And I trust you to look after him, Princess. I have watched you, and while I...

Lance said nothing during Malisia's rant. He walked next to her in silence, hands behind his back, listening and processing everything she said. When she finished, he allowed the silence to stretch on as he considered what he was going to say. "You have done perhaps the most dangerous thing...

Lance walked with Malisia in silence, hands behind his back, letting her stew for a bit. He guided her along the brightly lit streets, keeping to the well traveled and safer pathways. "What is troubling you, Princess?" He finally asked respectfully. "There is no one around now to hear your...

Lance watched her, taking in her body language. He could tell she was agitated, but not why. He could guess why, the reason for the agitation for two people had been fairly consistent throughout this trip, but he did not wish to assume. Perhaps it was another reason. He finished eating a...

Lance dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Of course, Princess, if that is your wish. Do you desire for me to show you the city this fine evening? Or is staying in more to your liking? I am at your service."