Lucy watched her mother turning back to speak to the guest who was seated in front of her. She clenched her hands together. She knew if she were to question it, her mother would get angry, and she didn't know what repercussions she would have to face.
Her mother didn't bother to look at her, and Lucy bowed her head and stepped out of the room. She wondered where else Ruby might be.
When the time of supper arrived, the people who were sitting at the dining table were quieter than usual. In King Laurence's presence, everybody stood up, bowing their heads in greeting before taking their seats after the King seated himself.
"What a pleasant evening!" exclaimed the King as he appeared to be in a good mood. "Don't you agree, mother?"
