At the Vale, inside Roland's study he and Sigrid sat face to face eyeing each other with uncertainty in their eyes. It was time for the second face off, and this time there were not other parties to intervene in the conversation.
They were still waiting for complete privacy in order to begin which was hindered by Roland's butler Charles who was poring him a glass of wine. He was moving slow as if they had all the time in the world.
When he finally put the glass down in front of Roland, he could not resist making a comment.
"Day drinking eh, your highness." he said, with humor in his voice and yet he shot Sigrid a glance that was the opposite of humor for it was accusing. He thought Roland was day drinking because of something Sigrid had said or done.
"Thank you Charles, you may be excused." Roland responded.
His voice carried a sternness which Charles detected and he realized that it was not the time for jokes.
