Ophelia dismissed the maids waiting in the garden and sat down with Mary. She was a bit nervous about hosting her first visitor to the castle, but tried not to let it show.
Ophelia watched as Mary looked over the food and drinks prepared. "If it isn't to your liking, I can always have the kitchen prepare more," said Ophelia.
"This is well. I am a lover of all kinds of teas. When I have time, I like to brew my own tea and prepare a few mixes. I have brought along a box of tea leaves for you as a gift. The knights took it to inspect it," Mary said, not wanting Ophelia to think she came empty-handed.
Mary looked around the garden and said, "Is it always this quiet in the castle, or is it due to the rumours of danger on the land?"
Seeing that Lord Hastings was not present, Mary believed the gossip which reached her husband's ears.
"You knew," Ophelia replied, but she wasn't surprised.
Dante's absence was missed.
