Lucia knocked softly on the door, waiting patiently until Rio opened it. The Southerner looked startled for a moment before bowing.
Lucia reached out and touched his shoulder. “You don’t need to do that. You are Silas friend, not a stranger.”
Rio straightened, but his expression was gently chiding. “You are a princess, Lucia. You are trying very hard to fit into that role, by everything Silas has told me. You need to get used to the gestures of respect. You can be gracious about it, but it will be part of who you are. Let people acknowledge that. It does not have to be a negative thing for either side.”
Lucia c****d her head, a slow smile taking form. “Now I see why you’re Silas friend. Philosophy and wisdom.”
Rio ushered her inside, rolling her eyes in a manner completely reminiscent
