He didn't seem to be exposing his wounds to gain her sympathy; instead, it was more like explaining a survival logic that had long been formed and proven effective.
Arthur began to speak: "Perhaps His Majesty is not being stubborn because of ignorance. Some spend a lifetime learning how to gain, while she has been learning how not to lose since childhood. People are different."
The dining room fell silent once more.
The Duchess of Kent put down her teacup and shook her head, "It seems you understand more than I thought."
Arthur smiled slightly, "I simply learned earlier than Her Majesty how to sit alone at the table, though it was by force."
The Duchess of Kent was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
Arthur stood up from his seat, adjusted his cuffs, and then bent slightly to bow, "Your Highness, if there are no other instructions, I should go to the study."
The Duchess of Kent looked at him and finally showed a hint of genuine, almost gentle smile.
