"Of course," I said, feeling warmth curling in my chest that he would feel comfortable enough to ask me for such a thing. "I'm delighted you asked. Let me just get dressed in something more regal, and I'll be out in a jiffy."

"Your graciousness is deeply appreciated," he said.

"No problem," I replied, and popped back inside. Luckily, Kamharida happened to be in her room, working on a painting with one of the photos of her son playing soccer as a reference, and she got me into a breezy sundress appropriate for a casual lunch with a courtier, my iron circlet, and a pair of bold feather earrings. Within fifteen minutes, I was walking through the palace, heading for the Lesser Garden and Axily's lunch date.

Lord Miaquen proved to be highly recognizable, though I hadn't spoken with him before. He'd only been at the Antlered Palace for the past two weeks or so, and he was hardly a social butterfly. I'd never seen him dancing, and I wouldn't have missed it: the man had vivid ginger hair, thick and wavy, which he wore in a loose braid that reached the back of his knees. His light brown eyes approached amber, with the smallest flecks of dark green, and unlike Axily his flawless pale skin sported nary a freckle.

"My lord, I hope this isn't an imposition," I said as he rose. "Your friend Axily was unfortunately pulled onto rotation today to guard me, and I thought that perhaps you wouldn't mind dining with me while he stands guard at my shoulder, so that you might at least have a conversation."

"A gracious offer, your highness," he said. The lord took my offered hand and bowed over it, pressing my knuckles to his chest. "It is an honor to dine with a princess."

I took my seat with a smile so that he could sit back down, and Lord Miaquen settled back down with an answering smile. He and I had a nominal conversation, with Axily speaking up more frequently than I did, though I could tell by the distracted tone of his voice that my guard was committed to maintaining watch over me while he did.

For my part, I dedicated most of my attention to the food and the iced tea the table had come supplied with. The venison was meltingly good, as was the light salad of tiny, sharp-flavored greens. I enjoyed overhearing the casual conversation and the chance to do something nice for Axily. It was delightful to please him, and to get a chance to do something nice for Lord Miaquen, as well. I hoped that by saying yes to his request I'd opened the door to more such asks. It would be great to get to do things for the guards who'd spent so much time protecting me. Maybe I could think of good things to do for them on my own?

"Your highness?"