AYLETH
"Well, yes," Ayleth said carefully, unable to meet the young Lord's eyes. "I did learn to fight by being trained by men. But it was… a function of my role as a ruler, you understand? Not a… social time."
"But… he had to touch you!" Prince Gjorge was scandalized. "It simply isn't proper for someone of your stature!"
Ayleth pressed her lips together in a tight smile. "It was with my Knight Defender only. So that I could defend myself in the event of—"
"Is the man lazy? Did he not think he could protect you? Is that not his job?" Had the young Lord been any less horrified—apparently for thoughts of her honor—had he appeared more judgmental, she might have stomped on his foot. But he seemed to be truly trying to find an answer to his horror. Apparently he wanted her to reassure him that her training hadn't ruined her.
Dear Lord, what went on in the minds of men?
