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Heloise reached into an apron pocket and pulled out a tidbit of food, which she fed to Jock

"That explains why he’s overweight"

"Yes," Severin said before again pulling her deeper into the hallway "Heloise has a soft spot for the mutt Everyone pretends not to know She thinks it would ruin her reputation"

"She does not know you are aware of her affection?" Elle asked, watching the severe wo Jock

"Yes," Severin said, waiting until Heloise disappeared down the kitchen corridor "What?" he said when he realized Elle was staring at hihtful in some situations," Elle said

Severin’s cat ears briefly went flat "Soain "You are a prince I have seen enough royalty to know that they generally are not the thoughtful type"

"I aeneral, not a prince," Severin said

"You are a prince, Your Highness," Elle firmly said "May I speak plainly?"

Severin snorted "I have never known you not to"

"You are how a prince should be, hness"

"I do not believe I have ever been given such a backhanded compliment before," Severin dryly said

"It shocks me that you personally know your servants--and not just their naeneral knows his men"

"Yes, but I know firsthand that nottheir servants," Elle said

Severin twitched his cat whiskers "My staff supported me, and continue to support me, in a time where very few others did They have made sacrifices to be part of my household I owe them my respect"

Elle halted when they reached the library door "You are a befuddling man, Severin"

Severin paused in the threshold of the doorway "And you are intelligent, for a peasant,"

Elleboith her crutch "I aht there was no trace of amusement on her face

Severin frowned "What?"

Elle shook her head "I don’t knohat to make of you"

"In ay?"

"You care for your servants and value theed "A military leader must make infor about your service in theout in a voice that was colder than she ive me, I spoke out of turn I hope you find the book you are looking for," she said,her escape