“Have you heard that even the Skaldi are sending a prospect?” the girl whispered, leaning close to her companion while she peeled potatoes. “The Skaldi! As though the King would pick her while he’s got access to an Adept! And a Dahlia at that!”
The other girl opened her mouth to respond, but her thoughts on it were forgotten when hands reached out, catching their ears and giving the upper shell a twist.
“I know that there is no way that novices of my House are speaking in judgement of someone? Let alone someone’s potential love? I know my ears must be deceiving me,” the Dowayne’s voice was low, pitched so only the two girls could hear her, and she was crouched down behind them.
The girl who hadn’t spoken quickly said, “No, my Lady, I’m sorry.”
However, there’s always one with more nerve.
“I’m just repeating what I’ve heard, my Lady Dowayne,” the first girl said, her voice tight. “That’s what everyone is saying.”
Philomena let go of the second girl’s ear and stroked it lightly, signaling that she was not in trouble. The girl reached up and brushed the sore spot before continuing with her kitchen chores. The first girl, Mena noted, was smart enough not to turn around. That was a good sign. The kitchen was still bustling, everyone clearly too busy to eavesdrop. So naturally, everyone was listening.
Naturally.
“Tell me, child, what else is everyone saying?”
The girl took a deep breath, “That a Lady of Camlach’s people escorted them across their land, that the savages-” she broke off with a meep of pain as her ear got twisted further.
“We do not use such language in this House. They are strangers in an unfamiliar land, to be spoken of with compassion and kindness or you will not speak of them, do I make myself clear?” She never raised her voice, but a hush fell over the bustling room, waiting for the girl to make a smart choice.
“Yes my lady.”
“Good, tell me what else ‘everyone’ is saying.”
The collective exhaled as she continued. “The delegation should be in the City within the week. The woman, her name is Gisila, she travels with two warriors, and her two pets.” The girl paused before continuing, “And everyone says it’s silly that people think the King would want anyone else, when he’s got a Dahlia.”
Mena took a deep breath and finally let go of the girl’s ear. It was bright red and had to ache, but the girl made no move to touch it.
“Lady Odilia, if you speak of her, respect her and do it properly.”
The girl nodded.
“Our King has not spoken his preference, do not claim to know his mind or his heart. He entertains whomever he chooses, whenever he chooses, without judgment from us. Our House supports his heart with no reservations. ”
Both novices nodded, and Mena caught a few other people in the kitchen nodding as well.
She stood and caught the eye of her housekeeper. “Please send my coffee and lunch to my office. I think I must offer our Houses hospitality to the incoming guests of the kingdom. Clearly we need a bit more exposure to the outside world.”