“I was just considering the company you keep to nowadays. Honestly, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.” Handy’s grip tightened on his left gauntlet, having been standing there with one hand clasped over the other. Joachim grit his teeth. “It is, after all, to be expected of one such as yourself.” Geoffrey sighed. “But it is getting late. I feel I shall retire. You are dismissed.” He waved a claw, and the courtiers all slowly stood up, awaiting the prince to leave the table. The prince stopped at the door and pointed at one of the servants. “That one,” he said, pointing a claw at Hirsild. The young griffon blinked in surprise.