Song & Dance I

Soleia hurried over with a platter of biscuits and two cups of tea. It was a paltry selection for a duke, since her other visitors had all but decimated their pantry. Soleia could have been harsher, but she didn't have it in her to refuse the young children and their bright eager eyes as they stared at her biscuits. 

They reminded her of Reitan when he was younger, clinging at her skirts with hopeful eyes as he asked to play with her. Just the very thought made her heart ache. But Soleia reminded herself that no news was good news. As long as no one told her, beyond all doubt, that Reitan was dead, then Reitan was alive. 

"Duke Kinsley, here's some tea and snacks for you," Soleia said. "My apologies for the lack of variety."

Duke Kinsley shook his head and shoved a biscuit in his mouth. He chewed and crumbs littered all over the floor. He must have been starving. Soleia wondered if she should at least bring out some of the cured meat for him to eat.