Solomon's face darkened with worry. "Are you all right? Don't let the injuries get to you too much. The last thing I want to see is you in more pain."
Princess Amalthea continued staring out the window. The bright light of the inn made it quite impossible to see out. But if someone were to put their face to the window and look in...but who would do that? She leaned back in her chair again and turned back to Solomon with a smile that failed to reach her eyes. "Yes, I'm quite all right. I'm just scared that the men who got me might come back. I could use some distraction, so...maybe I'll tell that story you asked for."

She made one last glance at the window.

The shadows formed the slightest hint of a face.

Amalthea hiccuped. "My story...is...um...yes, I started life in the palace. I mean, of course, I was born there. And...goodness, I feel very tired. I'm so sorry. Please take me to bed."

She hadn't touched her soup.