CHAPTER 73
King Charlenugo didn't say anything further. He only watched her closely.
A teacup was placed before her and he observed as Grace drank, holding the cup with just one hand.
Prince Quicke would always raise a teacup with both hands, a quiet habit formed over years of constant kingdom affairs.
"That's new," he thought.
"You no longer hold your cup with both hands?" he asked almost casually.
Grace paused, startled. "How do you mean?" she replied as she took another sip.
King Charlenugo gave a long stare. "For years, you've never held a cup with one hand. Especially not in the presence of others."
Grace nearly choked, and a bit of tea spilled from her mouth. She wiped it quickly with a towel.
"Pardon my manners," she said.
"I've been stressed, Father. I just want to do things easily now," she added, hesitantly.
King Charlenugo smirked faintly. "You must be, then. Because you would never admit to being stressed. Not once. But I suppose change is constant."
