For months, my ladies had more or less ignored their role to aid me and instead used this as a vacation from their regular duties. Lady Ansley was the exception, but she could hardly remain in the same room as me without shaking like a leaf. My hopes to build a lasting relationship with her had waned. But I wasn't giving up just yet. She still didn't partake in the snide comments made by the other court ladies, nor did she ignore my authority. For those reasons, I hoped she wouldn't be opposed to forming a friendship with me.
I led Lady Ansley away from my quarters, locking the door tight behind me. Sir Kynes followed as we walked down the hall towards the royal library. Our shoes clicked against the stone as we walked in silence. It wasn't surprising. My guard had hardly spoken to me
