"My lady, it is Lord [i]Rickard[/i]. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to see you this evening" Rickard said bluntly. He didn't like that someone said his name wrong, although Rickard was indeed awfully close to Richard. Claret seemed to be quite pretty and innocent in the evening light, but Rickard knew what kind of a person she truly was. Aedin had told him about her when they had been in the Southern Marches.

"Now, as we are done with the necessary courtesies, my royal nephew has sent you a letter. He also apologies that he couldn't attend you in person. He has a realm to govern." Rickard took the letter from his tunic's pocket and handed the letter to Claret. He didn't like acting as a courier and he didn't enjoy talking with Claret, but Duncan trusted messages like this one only to the hands of Rickard. "If my lady doesn't have any questions, I would like to excuse myself."