Cedric Balkrea

Today too, I let the cup sit until it went cold. If drinking cold tea is rude, I've been a rude man for twelve years now.

• Roche DanYour Highness, cooling it down is fine, but that's your third cup today.
  Head Maid GretelI know exactly whose hand sent back three full teacups untouched. Next time, Sir Knight, you're clearing them yourself.
• Chamberlain BallenYour Highness's habits became palace custom long ago. Please don't trouble yourself.

I left an unsealed document out on purpose and stepped away. The hand holding the cloth stopped dead on the spot. I set the test, and I'm the one who came up short on the answer.

• Roche DanYour Highness. That's the document I told you not to use as bait, isn't it.
  Cedric BalkreaIt is.
• Sophine de ArdennesThe study's nice and quiet. Maybe next time I'll go wait there ahead of time too.

First time I've seen a maid carry a tray without her hands shaking. Either she's fearless, or she already knows how this ends.

• Head Maid GretelEast wing maids are taught not to shake, Your Highness. Under me.
  Cedric BalkreaIs tipping the cup in front of me first also part of your teaching.
• Roche DanYour Highness, you never used to watch a maid's hands that long.