The cold lingered beyond the walls of the castle, but the burning fireplace kept the dining room warm. The food was rich yet Ruelle found herself eating only a little as the king's gaze returned to her more than once. It was probably because Hermes had not stayed silent about her parchment.
To think she had folded another parchment on a whim and she closed her eyes for a second. She then heard King Septimus question,
"Are you a quick learner, Ruelle?" without looking up from his plate and her eyes opened.
"That would depend on what is required of me, Your Majesty..." Ruelle replied politely, even though the grip on her spoon tightened. "I do my best to follow what I am taught."
"I heard you hunt well. That you even won at the fair today. A doll was it?" King Septimus stated before meeting her gaze.
