Circe had attached herself to Nieah for the day, trailing after the woman like a child clinging to its mother's skirts. Ragnar had left the estate early that morning, claiming he needed to see to official business, while Rowen was currently enduring basic sword-fighting drills with Kostia.
That left only Nieah to serve as polite company. Unfortunately, Nieah had been waist-deep in chores when Circe approached her earlier, tasks she could not simply abandon to entertain a bored princess.
But instead of retreating and allowing Nieah the peace to work, Circe had done the next best thing. If her presence was going to be a distraction, she might as well make herself a useful one. If nothing else, she could lighten the woman's workload.
"Your Highness, you do not have to do that. I'm quite alright," Nieah blurted, hands fluttering in alarm when she realized Circe intended to follow her out into the gardens.
