What did people say?
"I'll be good," Noah said, because that seemed like the response she was looking for.
She reached across the table, squeezed his hand. "I know you will. You're a good boy, Burt. Better than what they say."
The moment stretched awkwardly before she released his hand and stood, beginning to clear the table.
"Let me get ready," she said. "I need to drop you at the tavern before I head to the castle for my work today."
The castle. Noah's attention sharpened.
"You work at the castle?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"You know I do," she said, giving him a strange look. "Same as always. Cleaning, laundry, whatever Lady Constance needs done. Why do you ask?"
"Just making sure I remembered correctly," Noah said quickly.
She nodded, accepting the explanation, and disappeared down the hallway toward what Noah assumed was her room.
