Jaren bowed down as Diane curtsied, matching her, rising as she rose. His smile was still there, even as he took his seat at the table. His arms came out of his robes, and in his right hand was clutched a curled up book. A soft cover, cracked and worn, stained in spots. It was unmarked, there were places where the edges were frayed and pages that had their corners marked. He set it down on the table to his right before sitting back in his chair. His hands were folded in his lap, his eyes never leaving the princess's face.<br/><br/>"You surprise me. I had worried that you would be as meek as your countrywomen are known for."