The dining hall was quiet that morning, perhaps because of the storm that had raged through the night and still left the skies grey outside and heavy while droplets of rain slid down the tall windows.
Servants moved quietly around the long table, placing down trays of freshly baked bread, roasted potatoes glazed lightly with butter, soft eggs, bowls of fruit and warm stew that filled the air with its rich scent.
Thalia was already seated with a cup in her hand when Rosalind entered and immediately looked up at her. "There she is," she announced dramatically. "I was beginning to think the storm swallowed you whole."
Rosalind let out a small laugh under her breath as she pulled out a chair. "You'd miss me if that happens."
"Absolutely not," Thalia scoffed, though a grin tugged at her lips.
Across from them, Verity studied Rosalind quietly before speaking. "You look tired."
