She climbed to her feet after he left.
Terrence and Arman stood as well. They were still very dirty, reeking of mud and dung.
She struggled to not wrinkle her nose at the odour.
"What's that foul smell!" The King's Aunt cried out, pulling out a perfumed handkerchief and covering her nose with it.
"Thank you." Arman said, his cheeks flushing as he offered her a small smile.
He had a nice smile - that was the first thing she noticed.
Terrence nodded at her, not trusting himself to speak. Then, both men left her standing there.
Eliza rushed to her and held her hand.
"Shall we take a walk together?"
Claire looked down at her hand on her arm.
"To where? I was headed for the kitchens."
Yeren's Aunt hissed. "We were walking together, Eliza. It is very wrong to leave me by myself."
Eliza cast her mother an apologetic glance and squeezed Claire's arm.
"You can find your way to your chambers, mother. I will see you soon."
Claire found herself being pulled along.
