Amaris groaned, dragging a fallen tree stick through the dirt to absentmindedly write her name on the ground. "My gosh... it's so boring. I can't believe I actually miss my work. Ugh."
Just then, a soft giggle echoed nearby, catching her attention. "You talk funny, lady," a young voice said, filled with amusement.
Amaris looked up, her grumbling quickly fading into a smile as her eyes landed on a small, well-dressed boy, no older than six or seven. His attire was far too fine for a common child—he was clearly of noble birth.
"Hello there," she greeted warmly, her curiosity piqued. "What's your name?"
The boy glanced down at the letters she had scribbled into the dirt before straightening his posture. "You are to address me as Lord Estridsen," he declared, with all the dignity of someon
