“Oh, thank you…”

Cara stood awkwardly to bow, but Lord Lantal was already collapsing into a chair by the time she stood.

Risel went to get him something to eat, and the two children fussed around their father.

Seraphel half-rose.

“We should be out of your way, Lord Lantal. Your valiant efforts on the wall are ceaseless.”

“No, no, Your Highness…I’m just…”

Lantal’s head rose and he tried to stand, but then trailed off. Seraphel hurriedly bade him sit, and he relaxed.

“It is good of you to be with Culin and Sasi.”

He looked at Cara as he replied. She bowed again, unsure of what to say. Lord Lantal exhaled, and for a second, before Risel came back, no one spoke a word.

“I enjoy the music. Afiele needs more of it.”

Lantal murmured. The door opened and Risel came back. Cara and Seraphel turned, tiptoeing out; they had thought he’d fallen asleep. But Culin and Sasi looked up as Lantal’s eyes opened.

The weary [Lord of the Fields] focused on Cara. She half-dipped her head again.

“Thank you. I hope I didn’t disturb anyone.”

“I doubt it could be heard from down in the rest of the keep.”

Risel remarked. Cara sighed.

“Good—”

“No. You could sing louder. If you wish—do so. It was beyond pleasant to hear.”

Risel turned to Cara. The [Singer] hesitated, but Lord Lantal nodded slowly, reaching for some bread with renewed hunger. He tried to eat, embarrassed as he crammed food into his mouth, but determined to say it.

“Noelictus lacks for songs like this. Even the capital would like to hear it, I think. I have heard a bit of Calanfer, Princess Seraphel.”

Seraphel jumped. Risel and Lantal had apparently been listening for a while. Lantal looked at her. Then his children.

“I have been to Noelictus’ capital, but none other. Not even Ailendamus, and I hear it is beautiful.

Calanfer…the Eternal Throne. People tell stories. How wondrous are they? Risel?”

He asked it as a half-question, turning to Risel. The [Lady] smiled.

“Just like the tales they tell, Lantal. We will have you see them.”

He sighed.

“Someday. We’ll find the coin to travel.”

Culin and Sasi inhaled, delighted and disbelieving. Seraphel looked at Lord Lantal, and bit her lip.

“It would be my honor to arrange a visit, Lord Lantal, Lady Risel. I think the [Lord] who safeguarded Calanfer’s [Princess] could expect no less than a royal welcome at least. It would be my pleasure…”

She turned to Cara.

“…If I can but manage it. I may not. Yet it would be a pleasant thing—to show Calanfer to someone else.”

Seraphel smiled and looked around.

“Yes. That is a funny thought.”

Everyone waited, unsure of what she meant. After a second, the 4th Princess blinked around, realized they had no idea what was in her head, and elaborated.