Chat with Holda in private

You clear your throat, and Lisandra seems to get the message.

"Ah, yes, how rude of me. I will catch up with you another time my dear" she says, kissing Holda tenderly on the cheek.

"I look forward to it" the young girl says, her eyes shining in the candlelight.

You sit down beside Holda as her mother leaves the room with quiet discretion. "So, fair maiden" you say with a sly smile, causing her to blush, "it must be very disorienting to go through so many changes so soon." While Holda has looked happy since you first met a moment ago, she does relax a bit as you talk to her.

"Oh yes milord, in all honesty I am a little overwhelmed. Not long ago I was at home, the place I've spent my whole life, doing my daily chores to help grandpa and grandma. Next thing I know, I'm to meet my mother after all this time, and at the capital no less! And the king, of course!" she says cheekily.

You laugh politely at her joke. "Your mother seems to think we can have a good...relationship. Like the one she and my father had" you say, testing the waters.

"O-oh, I think so t-too." She grins, but seems a bit out of sorts. You notice her twiddling her thumbs, and she looks down at the floor at first. "You seem like a good man" she says again, stealing a glance at your face.

You put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Are you happy with these arrangements? If not, I can easily arrange for you to go back home" you offer gently.

She takes a deep breath before continuing. "I don't mean to say that I'm unhappy with the changes in my life, in fact I cherish the opportunity to be here. But yes, it does take some adjusting" she says prettily, folding her hands over her lap coquettishly.

"Well, I think it would be a good idea to give you some time to adjust then, yes?" Holda look over, unsure. "By that you mean...?"

You get up and take her hand, kissing it gently. "Get some rest. Tomorrow you can speak more with your mother. She can show you the castle, and help accustom you to life in the court." Holda, despite her eagerness to please, looks less nervous than before.

"Thank you my king" she says sweetly, "I am lucky to have met someone so kind on my first day." You finish bidding your adieus, then go back to your room. You are glad to have made a good impression on the girl, even if your more carnal thoughts have yet to be indulged.