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You take a final sip from your lukewarm cup and settle it on the tiny plate in front of you. Then you grab a small pastry to nibble on before exhaling and finally beginning, “Mother, are you… well? I heard that you were afflicted with something quite nasty recently.”
The white-haired woman flips a hand in your direction before softly giggling, “Oh, you need not worry about that, dear. It t’was naught more than a passing poison. I am much more interested in the going ons of your life than of mine.”
“I-i understand.” You say as you decide not to press any further due to the delicate state your mother appears to be in. “Then would it be fine if I were to discuss what I have learned from my investigation?”
“Did the Bloodgrave kid finally start squealing?” Red brusquely says.
“Red!” Your mother gasps.
The wolffolk tries her hardest not to roll her eyes, but you can see how her ears wilt and her tail stops wagging. “Right, sorry.”
“Honestly, sometimes you make me wonder if my lessons have any effect at all. You do understand that one day you shall sit upon my throne?”
“And it’d be disgraceful if I continued to act as a barbarian while on it.” Red repeats something she has no doubt heard countless times before.
“Quite right. You must remember it will not be yourself whose reputation suffers but that of your husbands and little Ediths.” It feels weird watching your mother lecture someone who isn’t you, and while you can’t exactly say it’s an enjoyable experience, you do feel relief that it isn’t you who has to feel the mixture of shame, guilt, and frustration that befalls those who earn mother’s ire.
“Right, I’m sorry. I’m still working on it is all.”
“Hmph, and you should square your shoulders while you’re at it. And don’t reach for the tart with that hand! Slowly, but purposely, reach with your left as your right prepares your fork. Don’t forget-”
*Ahem* You politely cough. “I believe we may be venturing off path?” Red shoots you a thankful look.
“Ah, I suppose I lost myself there. You have my apologies.” Your mother says with a dignified look. At least she managed to distract herself from her troubles somewhat with her duties.
“None are needed.” You say, “Now, Red, you were asking me?”
“Yea- I mean- Yes, I wish to know if the interrogation has yielded any results.” Red manages to say with decency, though the minute your mother's soft gaze leaves her, you see her mimicking a gagging motion similar to one you’d see in a dog... Is that offensive to think?
“Regretfully, I know nothing of Percival’s treatment, though I imagine it is quite harsh, or if he has divulged any information about his allies. However, there is still much I have learned over the past few days.”