Queen Alexis frowned, her mood darkening. Though she was impressed that Kiara was somehow getting through to her stubborn son, she didn't like the tone Kiara used to explain herself, as though she and her husband were fools and interacting with Lamont was simple. She loved Lamont; he had always been her favorite, but he had always been a difficult boy. "You think neither of us haven't tried pleading with him to take up arms for his safety?" she snapped, annoyed. "You don't think that, after watching my other sons die one by one, that I haven't begged him to find some way to protect himself? Every day I wonder if this will be the day that I lose all of my children. I wonder if some assassin will come sneaking in and carry out my worse fear. Lamont is never seen without a guard, but I wish he could do more to protect himself. It's almost as if he [i]wants[/i] to die..." She trailed off, not wanting to even think about that.

Instead, the queen attempted to compose herself; she straightened her posture, cleared her throat, and picked up her knife and fork, pulling her gaze from Kiara to her food. "There must be some other reason he agreed to train," she commented haughtily, "some reason he won't admit to you. Perhaps he is enchanted by your exotic features; I have counted my blessings that he hasn't been smitten by some strange peasant girl, but it had also worried me that he did not seem interested in [i]anyone[/i]." She paused to take a bite of her food, chewing thoughtfully. "Whatever the reason for his compliance to you, I am glad." This was as close to a 'thank you' as the woman was willing to give. "Now I wish he was taken enough by you to enjoy breakfast. You should eat, take some food to Lamont, then enjoy your day here at the castle; I'll send a servant to your needs. Tomorrow begins your lessons to acquaint yourself with Berinike customers, culture, history, law, and politics. You might as well enjoy yourself now; you have a great deal to learn."