Alyxander was half stunned and out of focus for a moment. Only Kate's voice snapped him out of his trance, and he realized he had been staring at Reika a bit too long; without meaning to, of course. He was just so amazed at how she had changed since he'd known her before.<span style="font-style: italic">"She is pretty now. Yes?"</span>"She had been before." He answered softly, smiling. "It's just, now... she looks so different than before." Reika smiled to herself at the compliment. It meant the world to her that Alyx praised her looks. His opinion meant the world to her; he was the only one who truly knew her, he was her closest companion.<br/><br/>Alyxander turned his gaze away from Kate as he saw Ann move towards them, giving her a friendly smile as well.<span style="font-style: italic">"Good morning dear. I hoped you slept well. What can I get you to drink?"</span>"I slept fine, thanks to Kate." He answered, carefully taking the mug with a quiet thank you. "May I have some tea as well, please?" He sipped at the mug, glancing back to Reika and Kate as they spoke. His gaze then caught on a third girl as she entered, a female whom he did not recognize. His curiosity lingered as she headed over towards Reika and introduced herself.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Your the new arrival; I am Sara."</span><br/><br/>Reika looked over and smiled carefully. "Nice to meet you, Sara." She answered. "I am Reika." Not that she didn't think the other girl knew her, if she could pick her out so easily as the newest member of the household. The two talked and the scene within the kitchen continued as it usually did; with servants cooking and preparing food and drinks for breakfast.<br/><br/>Alyxander returned his gaze to Kate as she returned back to him, smiling happily at her touch.<span style="font-style: italic">"You look handsome this morning. I love this blue jacket. I am glad you chose it. It brings out your eyes."</span>"Why thank you." He whispered, keeping his voice quiet. "And you, my dear, look stunning to say the least. As always." His smile grew at her light kiss, his blue eyes glistening with happiness.<span style="font-style: italic">"You look wonderful and your can't see the bruises anymore. You do heal fast. Would you have breakfast with Reika and Ann this morning here in the kitchen?"</span>"I planned as such. Are you not going to stay in here too?" He fell silent for a moment, then realized she had put off several mornings away from her family for the sake of making him comfortable a while before, and now with Reika. Her father probably wanted her to be present sometime soon. "Never mind. But yes, I shall stay in here with Reika and Ann. Not that I think any trouble would come with Ann around." Alyx followed as Kate walked with him towards Reika, who was trying to help best she could with plates, busy talking with Sara and Ann.<br/><br/>The boy could hear the conversation between Lord Lyons and Johnathan, but acted as if he didn't. It was none of his concern really. Hunting with the two would keep John away from Reika at the least. He still did not know about the incident that had occurred the night before either. His attention returned to the situation at hand as Kate spoke to him, then to Reika, before she left. He took a seat near Reika, eating  in silence for the moment while Reika set to learning the etiquette and formal setting for the table. He himself knew it was not as easy and one might think, but she was a fast learner; he had no doubt that she would catch on quick.