This time, the prince was bringing only his escort knights and administrative aides with him; there was no need for his personal attendants to follow.
Before Arlan climbed his carriage, he turned towards Oriana. "Till I return, I expect good progress with the work I gave you. Do not slack."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Oriana continued to look at the departing carriage even after it passed the gate of the Palace of Thistle. Something was different, she felt different. Even when he was cold to her, it didn't feel bad but…she could not find the words to explain what she felt.
Upon returning inside the palace building, she went to have a morning meal with the other servants. She greeted some of them by name.
As she started eating, she recalled her previous thoughts about her master.
