“Thank you,” he said as he sat down. A server immediately came over and placed a fresh plate of biscuits, scones, and sweet rolls in front of him, including a fresh pot of tea with a clean cup.
“Nice of you to join us,” the queen said. He knew her comment was loaded.
“Nice of you to have me,” he shot back gently toward her and smiled. She smirked at him and took a long sip of her tea. He picked up a sweet roll, realizing how hungry he was, and began talking to the girls. He asked how they were doing, if they enjoyed the ball, and if they enjoyed being back at the castle. They had a nice simple conversation, and after he excused himself with his mother, he made the rounds with everyone else.
He dreaded sitting at the table with Princess Louisa, but had no choice. She constantly interrupt
