Sophia expected a simple breakfast in the tavern. Bread, some cheese and perhaps a tankard full of warm apple cider. It was her idea of a good breakfast, one that she was sure Paul could afford...unless of course he only planned on making her [i]watch him[/i] eat breakfast. The last invitation to breakfast she had received years ago had been like that and it greatly embarrassed her. She was confused when he led her out of the tavern. Did he mean to bring her somewhere else?

As she was led to the edge of town, she wondered where they were going and was surprised speechless when he led her to a grassy spot where a blanket had been laid out. A magnificent spread of food awaited them: breads, cheese, jam, fruits. Her mouth automatically watered. There was so much food...food that can last her and her sisters for months. 

She looked towards Paul. Why was he being so nice to her? No noble had ever been nice or generous to her. Did he know who she was and why she was with him? Did he suspect her? Or did he want something in exchange? [color=lightgreen][i]Probably what all men want...[/i][/color] 

"Is this a good start toward getting me back into your good graces?"

[color=lightgreen][i]It can't just be because you felt guilty for running your hands all over my body last night. You want more, don't you?[/i][/color] she thought as she looked at Paul then at the big pillow he was gesturing to and then at the food. For the food, she might actually give him what he wanted then and there. But she carefully kept her thoughts to herself and nodded meekly. [color=lightgreen]"You did not have to trouble yourself, my Lord,[/color] said but taking a seat all the same.

[color=lightgreen]"Thank you,"[/color] she said in a soft voice as she continued staring at the food, afraid to reach out in case it wasn't really meant for her.

---

On their way to the Black Raven, Olivia thought about how to ask the tavernkeep about Paul if he was not awake and in the tavern when they got there. Several questions ran through her head. Why would she be looking for him at this early in the morning? Would it look suspicious or inappropriate to ask? Would the tavern keep be curious about who she is? Would he ask? 

Even as she worried aobout these things, she found herself wondering about Paul at the same time. Was her an early riser? What sort of food did he like to eat for breakfast? Would he be happy to see her this early in the morning? Would he be disappointed when she told him that she cannot meet him later for their planned meal?

But there were no questions to ask or be asked when she and Darma entered the tavern. A man she knew to be working for her father spotted her and quickly made his way towards her. She didn't even have time to turn and walk back out when he greeted her. And as soon as he did, people that were in the tavern, including the barkeep looked towards her. Olivia cursed under her breath, knowing that there was nothing else she can do and no chance of escaping now. 

She took a deep breath and nodded. [color=tan]"I see no reason why my safety is at risk. And thus, there is no need to worry about me. Darma and I will make our way back to the castle by ourselves. We are, in fact, on our way back and simply need to purchase food to eat along the way,"[/color] she smoothly reasoned out. She looked towards the tavernkeep, who was obviously trying to make out Olivia's features from underneath the hood she had on. [color=tan]"I hear that the home made cheese they make here is the best in town."[/color]

At Olivia's words, the tavernkeep stood a little straighter and smiled proudly at her. "It most definitely is, milady. Shall I prepare some bread and cheese for you to take on your way back?"

Olivia smiled back and nodded, revealing her face to the man. [color=tan]"Yes, please."[/color] Darma immediately bowed to her mistress and headed towards the tavernkeep to assist in the preparation of the food her mistress had ordered. 

Olivia looked back at the man her father sent. [color=tan]"If you will excuse me..."[/color] she gave the man a small, polite smile before she followed after Darma. But before she could take more than a few steps, she caught sight of Winston and some of the men with him closing on more soldiers from the castle. [color=tan][i]Are these men sent because of me or are they here because Lord Paul has returned?[/i][/color] she thought as she hurried over to Darma.

Darma nodded as soon as her mistress was beside her. The handmaiden knew that they had walked into trouble and was helping the tavern owner's daughter to wrap the bread a little faster. "We need to leave as soon as we can, milady," she whispered under her breath.

Olivia nodded. [color=tan]"I think, however, that it might be a little late for that,"[/color] she whispered back when she caught sight a man that looked like Crone from the window."[/color]