[ She takes small, measured steps toward him; he's engrossed in eating even as he explains his vocation to her, so she thinks perhaps he won't notice her coming discreetly closer. ]

My husband was a prince, [ she volunteers, and then catches herself - ] — is a prince. I suppose I'm just accustomed to hearing that phrase from him and not considering its alternate meaning.

[ She lets her eyes rake over him again, her wariness slowly easing into curiosity. He's leaner than Vlad but no less handsome, and it makes her vaguely wonder if there are scars under the loose jerkin he wears beneath his tattered coat. ] I should be thankful that you are not as your neighbors were, then.

[ ...even though she's still not buying the dragon story, Bard. ]