The little boy before Faye begged as if it was for his very life. "Please, Your Grace, I am sorry for hitting you..." his ruddy red winter cheeks were stained with remorseful tears. "It was an accident; p-please, I-I beg you," he stuttered, "don't send me and my family to the dungeons."
Faye furiously admonished the knight who towered over them gathered in the garden. "Put him down this instant."
The knight set the boy back on his feet and released his shirt collar he had been dangling by, but in a flash he had his hand on the young boy's shoulders, shoving him to his knees on the snowy path.
He ordered in a firm voice. "Bow in reverence before the Duchess, boy. And learn your place."
As she observed the child, she noticed how his rigid stance gradually softened, his muscles relaxing as he gracefully inclined into a respectful bow.
