"There's a pretty lake south of the stables. You should come."
Claire dropped the fabric she had been forcing herself to sew.
"And how do you know about this lake?"
Aurora grinned, averting her gaze.
"Arlan showed it to me yesterday. I've been wanting to tell you but you've been very absorbed in your own thoughts."
Claire sighed.
"Please… just come this once. It would be fun."
"And what would I do there? I'm not a child like you, Aurora."
"I don't know. Swim? Enjoy the fresh breeze? The last time you left this keep was when you attended the King's ball. It's been a week, Claire. Uncle Jarren won't mind."
Claire spun on her. "And how do you know that? I don't want to upset him more than I already have, Aurora. He's a dangerous man."
Aurora's brows furrowed. "How would one afternoon at the lake provoke him? If he hurts you, I'll-"
"You'll do nothing, Aurora. He's an unpredictable man. Even the way I slice my ham during dinner seems to provoke him."
