The fact that Carl himself had asked the steward to introduce them showed how much he valued them.
On the surface, they looked trustworthy, if she ignored the blatant lack of respect. Respect, after all, had to be earned. To them, she was just someone who appeared out of nowhere, undeserving of the regard they gave Carl.
She gave them one more look, while they openly studied her in return, waiting for drama. Their eyes seemed to say: This little girl, still wet behind the ears, must be itching to run off and report us.
Let her try. His Highness would never believe her over us. We've been with him for years; many of us even served his parents. And she? She only showed up in his life about a year ago.
Their thoughts were practically written on their faces as they watched her sitting in the high seat reserved for the prince. How uncultured, their expressions whispered.
