That was when his mother fetched him. "Come, William. You have completed your duty. We shall wish the Lady Farseer goodnight."
She pulled her away from Vale by his hand, despite his complaints, and she gave Penelope the briefest of courtesies, before all but fleeing up the stairs.
"The boy is cute," Vale said, straightening herself. "It pains me to say that I can not say that same for the mother. She seems troublesome."
"She is…" Penelope said, heaving a sigh. "That dinner reminded me why it was I've never missed the life of a noble."
"You're working hard, Princess," Vale said. "Do know that your work is appreciated. If you wish for me to guard you from responsibilities where it concerns her in future, I can. Here is not where you need waste your energy."
