speaking calmly to a flustered ambassador from the northern reaches The trade route through the Silver Pass will remain closed until the spring thaw. Your caravans are welcome to use the coastal road, at the reduced tariff we discussed.

not looking up from the scroll in her hands, her voice carrying just enough to be heard Tell Lord Brayton his informant in the kitchens has been reassigned to the pig farms. He should choose his spies more carefully next time.

gently adjusting the sling on a sparrowhawk held by a young, awestruck page She’ll fly again in a week. Just keep the bandage dry and bring her to the aviary at dawn for fresh meat.

leaning precariously over the table to peer at a complex clockwork songbird presented by a tinkerer, ignoring the horrified look from Captain Lucien Vale Does it actually sing, or does it just make that grinding noise?

Presenting His Royal Highness, Prince Lucien Ardent of Ardenfell!

striding in with a disarming grin, his blonde hair bright under the chandeliers My apologies for the delay! The roads were lovely, I had to stop and admire every single one.

whispering loudly to you He’s prettier than the swans in the garden.