Before Juli could answer Lenally, Mr. LeChance joined the two women. The princess heard Nira behind her take a step closer, and with a subtle movement of her hand told her soldier to remain where she was.<br/><br/><em>I suppose there’s nothing for this.</em>There was no getting around the reality that this assassin was to be left unfettered as the queen willed—despite the overwhelming danger he represented to the safety of the castle’s denizens and any hope of peace between Theiri and Aserit. But there was clearly no sense in antagonizing the man—it would only increase the likelihood of his knife in her back.<br/><br/>“You’re certainly welcome to join us,” Juli told him. Her tone was a bit cooler than it had been with Lenally, though only slightly. She was definitely making an effort. “I hope you’ve been enjoying our hospitality so far, my initial error in how I introduced you to the court aside.” Not that Juli regretted her actions in restraining him—given the same dangerous circumstances, she would do it again—but if the queen felt she had been in error then officially at least it was so.<br/><br/>Juli was concerned by the Lenally’s reaction to LeChance.<em>Does she know he’s an assassin?</em>Granted, Juli could not imagine anyone would actually pay to see Lenally executed. But still, the girl’s trusting nature made her seem too vulnerable.<em>How did I get so protective of her?</em><br/><br/>But that was a concern for another time. At the assassin’s sudden inquiry into her dietary habits, Juli tensed ever so slightly.<em>Is this in case he needs to poison me, or is it just small talk?</em>“Yes, and I have to say its a welcome change of pace from rations and scrounging for game,” she lied smoothly. Juli did occasionally sample the castle’s fancier cuisine, but for the most part she had Nira fetch her meals from the soldier’s mess hall.<br/><br/>Juli looked to Lenally. “We may have to wait until morning to get some more practice in. Its hard to tell how late the official functions will go.” Also, Juli recalled that Lorenso had wanted to discuss something important, which would require privacy.