Summer folded her hands in her lap, wishing she had some spinning or sewing to occupy them. She looked down, rubbing her thumbs in her palms. “Maybe you should go and find out? Even if you were adopted into their family, it’s a bit rude to keep a Princess waiting, isn’t it?”
“She’s a friend too, Summer — and anyway, we made plans first, didn’t we? And I was so hungry that I wouldn’t focus on anything she was saying until I’d eaten. And for now, I just want to rest and digest my meal, if that’s alright?” he pointed out with a crooked smile and set his now empty plate aside, before faltering at her gestures. “…What’s bothering you?”
“I’m not used to sitting with my hands empty, that’s all.”
Voices came from just outside the room, chief among them Rafael’s. “Highness, please … “
“It’s fine, Rafael. I don’t mind.” The other voice became slightly sterner. “You’re dismissed, Rafael.” The door opened, and a pretty, dark-haired girl stood framed in it, elegantly dressed. A fine silver coronet bound her temples. “Isaac!”