All three of them looked up from their meals in surprise.

"I didn't think Astora royalty knew how to fight or desired to," Alexis stated. "Is all royalty over there trained in combat as they are here? Are all the citizens?"

"If the Princess is telling the truth, perhaps she could teach Lamont how to properly defend himself in battle. Gods know he has cycled through I don't know how many trainers already." He gave Alexis a meaningful look. "There will be no need for the elf; you could urge the Princess to release him."

"Nonsense," Queen Alexis muttered. "We don't know how well the Princess can fight."

"The said could be the same for the elf."

"He'll prove his merit shortly."

Lamont sighed, picking at his food now. Of course he knew how to fight...there wasn't a person alive in this kingdom that had never picked up a sword. He was just atrocious at it. Now that he was the last living heir to the throne, he'd probably make an easy target to any would-be assassins. It surprised him that Kiara not only knew how to fight but had a desire to practice; she seemed more Berinike than he was. Yet another thing they did not have in common. This saddened him somehow, and he had to remind himself that it shouldn't matter because he didn't want to get to know her anyway.