âTruthfully, I think the only reason he tolerates me is because of the apples. Â I assume he likes them, he seems to get a happier blank look on his face the moment he spots one.â
She smiled as he put the book down, fiddling with the hem of her dress.  âChar,â she reprimanded, putting on her best imitation of Miss Manners.  âWhat would the king say?â  She laughs loudly and shakes her head.  âTruthfully though, I hate to keep you from doing your princely duty, although I do hope I keep better company than such a book.â
Char nods, knowing exactly what she was talking about when it came to the centaur. âI think itâs that his eyes never seem to change from their glazed look. He can smile or frown, but his gaze remains constant.â
Another laugh bubbles from his lips as she imitates her Manners Mistress -- a mockery he has heard several times before. âMy father? I doubt heâs as concerned with these things as my advisors are. He usually only cares about the decisions Iâll make in the future, not those made in the past.â Book now pushed far away, his attention is fully placed on the young lady by his side. âYou can tell stories without putting me to sleep, so it seems you already have something over this book, at least.â















