The more Kiara talked, the more inwardly excited Lamont became. Why hadn't he thought of doing this sooner? Now that the idea had presented itself, he felt foolish for overlooking such a simple thing. It would be a perfect way to really get to know his people.

"I'm not so sure about taverns," he said a little cautiously, remembering a time when a few of his brothers had convinced him to go out with them. After getting over the crowds, the rude patrons, and the awful-tasting ale, Lamont vaguely remembered having one of the best nights of his life... followed by two truly awful days in which his hangover had left him confined to his bed and unable to hold down even water. His heart ached at the memories -- it was one of the few times he had felt close to any of his brothers and they had learned that they were more alike with similar interests than any of them knew. Even while enduring his hangover, they had been sympathetic to Lamont instead of cruel because of all the fun they had together the night before. He would never create moments like those again. He wished he had more time to try to get to know the siblings that had teased him all his life.

Lamont tried to force those bittersweet memories from his mind. "I'm not sure what I want to do," he said. "I simply want to observe and mimic -- see where the day takes us. Browse the markets, eat commoner food, partake in various commoner activities. How do they spend their free time when they're not working?

"You and I will share breakfast tomorrow morning. We'll tell my parents that we will be spending time together around the castle, which will primarily be true. They'll probably have bodyguards accompany us -- I can bribe them off easily enough. We'll put on our disguises and have some fun. Does that sound like a plan to you?"