While the servants moved quietly, loading a few trunks into a dark carriage, Dame Pauline stood by the carriage door, wrapped in a thick wool cloak. Her silver hair was pinned neatly, her face calm as ever. Fabio and Leandra were present to see her off, with Sir Adrian standing just behind them. Giselle arrived moments later, her steps careful on the icy path, Lysara following close behind.
"You needn't have come," the Dame said when she saw her but her tone lacked its usual bite. "I do not favor goodbyes."
"Still, I wanted to," Giselle replied, her breath visible in the cold air. "Apart from it being a custom, I suppose we had some kind of kinship."
Pauline gave her a long look. "I see. Well, I suppose that speaks well of you." She turned to Fabio. "Keep your palace well and your mate most especially. Winter should be full of warmth not cold from people and the season too."
"I'll remember," Fabio said with a small nod.
