[b]"Boys can be so difficult though, especially at his age. Trying to be a man, while still thinking and feeling very much like child. I want someone who will be a good influence. Steadying, perhaps."[/b] 

Lady Cheldarine sighed and sipped at the cup of herbal tea in her hands. She sat back and leaned into the cushioned divan as the Princess spoke of learning about Morganyth and Formori culture. She smiled at the Princess's compliments, with almost a hint of smugness. 

[b]"Well in the case, we must set a date for you to visit my estate in the city, your Highness. Once all this silly confinement has passed."[/b] She gave the Princess a smile at that and a roll of the eyes that went unobserved by their eavesdropper. [b]"Although I assure you, there are many in this Kingdom who are already proud of you, myself foremost among them."[/b]

The polite and inconsequential conversation between Lady Cheldarine and Princess Elise persisted for sometime after the return of the serving woman. They drank tea, nibbled at biscuits, and made pretence of ladies at leisure for all there to see. But it did not last indefinitely. Eventually there came another knock at the door of the Princess's chambers in the Silver Tower. One of the Princess's guardsmen entered into the sitting room and announced that the Lord Steward, Manawyndan, also sought an audience with Princess Elise. 

[b]"Ah, it appears the good Lord Steward has gotten word of my impromptu visit, and so quickly too. I do so wonder how?"[/b] As she finished speaking with a tone of mock incredulity she gave a throaty laugh and looked directly at the woman sat in the back of the room. [b]"I suppose I had best be on my way then, it would be dreadfully impolite of me to keep the poor old man waiting too long."[/b]