From that day onward, Florentine Lian began visiting the northern courtyard with striking frequency.
On the first day, she arrived carrying a basket of exotic fruit, insisting they had been delivered to her by a special order and were perfectly ripe and fresh. When Caelith reached to take them, Lady Lian refused, carrying the basket into the kitchen herself and serving the fruit cut into intricate shapes, like those served in noble houses.
On the second day, she came bearing several bolts of fabric, saying they were leftovers from the shop and perfectly suited for making new garments. Caelith protested that there was no need, but Lady Lian merely waved a dismissive hand. She had already produced a measuring tape, taken Caelith's measurements with brisk efficiency, and departed before another refusal could be uttered.
