Chapter 173: Song & Dance I
Soleia hurried over with a platter of biscuits and two cups of tea. It was a paltry selection for a duke, since her other visitors had all but decimated their pantry. Soleia could have been harsher, but she didn’t have it in her to refuse the young children and their bright eager eyes as they stared at her biscuits.
They reminded her of Reitan when he was younger, clinging at her skirts with hopeful eyes as he asked to play with her. Just the very thought made her heart ache. But Soleia reminded herself that no news was good news. As long as no one told her, beyond all doubt, that Reitan was dead, then Reitan was alive.
"Duke Kinsley, here’s some tea and snacks for you," Soleia said. "My apologies for the lack of variety."
Duke Kinsley shook his head and shoved a biscuit in his mouth. He chewed and crumbs littered all over the floor. He must have been starving. Soleia wondered if she should at least bring out some of the cured meat for him to eat.
"No, it’s fine. Biscuits are enough. Are your food stocks running low?" Duke Kinsley asked, his brow furrowing in concern. His eyes darted to Sir Ralph, who was still standing at the side with an impressive glower on his face.
Soleia cleared her throat, trying to hint at him to look more approachable. Duke Kinsley was an honored guest, the reason why they had a roof over their heads. Sir Ralph had to be on his best behavior, no matter how late the hour!
Sir Ralph reluctantly pasted a smile on his face. Since Soleia’s attention was on Ralph, she failed to notice how Duke Kinsley shivered at that expression of happiness.
"You said you were coming over to discuss the Spring Fair?" Sir Ralph prompted, and Soleia groaned internally. If anyone walked into this scene, they’d think Ralph was the lord and Duke Kinsley the servant!
To his credit, Duke Kinsley did not seem offended by Ralph’s tone. He merely smiled awkwardly and spoke, choosing to look at Soleia instead.