The [Princess] saw Cara’s face go blank and tapped a flashing ring.

“Magical artifact and Skills. I can read your aura like your face and you’re lying. I may be useless for anything like washing clothes, but I’m quite good at social events. Move the basket over.”

Silently, Cara did. She wasn’t sure if she should be worried; Seraphel’s tone was far from accusatory. If anything, she was frankly curious as she regarded Cara.

“May I ask a question?”

“Go ahead.”

“You seem to detest me and I can’t fathom why. I thought for a while that you had some grudge against Calanfer, but I don’t think you’ve ever been to my home. So what is it?”

Cara hunched her shoulders. She hadn’t expected to have to confront this issue today. Especially after being proven…wrong. Twice now—three times with Risel…five if you counted Sasi and Culin? Cara still thought Duchess Grishen was a horrible old lady. With a mace, which redeemed her somewhat.

Six times? The young woman shook her head.

“It’s not your fault, Ser—Princess Seraphel. I just—hate—the idea of royalty. Of anyone with a noble title. An…aristocrat.”

Seraphel nodded slowly.

“I see. Are you from Izril, by any chance?”

Cara nearly laughed.

“No. But it seems I’d fit in perfectly over there, wouldn’t I?”

“They’re certainly against rulers. But may I ask why you dislike my class so much?”

The Irish [Singer] frowned.

“Why do you care?”

The undead were literally climbing the walls while they chatted. Seraphel gave an impatient sigh as she snatched a shirt from the basket.

“Well, I’m interested, there is nothing to do other than speculate when help is arriving or whether we will die, and I would rather be entertained and have one question answered before I am torn to bits or married to the Earl of Ovela. Answer the question.”

She punctuated her monologue by slapping Cara gently on the shoulder with the towel as if it were a whip. The [Singer] stared at Seraphel. She nearly threw the wadded up clothing into Seraphel’s face in reply.

But she couldn’t help but like Seraphel a bit. Which bothered her. Because…

“I just don’t like the idea of one person having the power to…change people’s lives. Especially when they’re just born into the role. That’s all. And I—don’t like the idea of people ruling other people either.”

Seraphel tilted her head to one side as she considered that.

“Do you disagree that [Kings] are necessary?”

“Yes. Ever heard of a democracy?”

The [Singer] saw Seraphel smile. To her surprise, Seraphel shook her head.