"Terrible. Cruel. Impossible," Asabel complained. "And no way at all to be treating a princess. Lancelot would have you cut down on the spot if he overheard. Besides, what would your father say? What of your Patrick ancestors? Making a joke must be against your founding principles, mustn't it? I don't think I've ever seen a single one of you truly smile."
Oliver remembered back to Dominus. Indeed, the man could be awfully serious… His nature was that of a serious man, and his purpose was a serious one. But that did not stop his playful temperament. He would play the darkest of tricks, and take delight in the worst of things. There was a more humorous man in him than any gave him credit for.
Just when Oliver was about to defend himself, Asabel delighted herself with a discovery. "Or could it be that there are more to the Patrick's than the world gives them credit for? A rare sense of humour? Now that's the sort of treasure that would be worthy of a princess."
