The princess just had to enter the chamber at this moment. Thorin thought of looking out and distracting anyone coming this way to ensure that Riona could safely rummage through the princess's things, but he was too late.
He had teased Riona too much and ended up stuck with her in the wardrobe. There wasn't enough time to leave the room.
Fortunately, his keen canine hearing detected footsteps from far away, giving him just enough time to shove Riona and himself into the wardrobe.
"Mother, was it you? The one who initiated the petition?" Princess Lisbeth began.
Though Thorin's vision was blocked by the wardrobe door, his hearing allowed him to track Princess Lisbeth's movements.
She headed to the sofa and settled herself there. Lady Maris followed behind, taking light and slow steps, embodying the grace of a noble lady despite her common birth.
"I said we'd find a way, and we found a way," Lady Maris responded gently.
