The next morning, Ryan's usually orderly residence was far busier than normal.
Servants moved back and forth through the courtyard carrying wooden chests, folded blankets, riding cloaks, food containers, and everything else they might need for the journey. The imperial hunting grounds were nearly a full day's ride from Ryan's residence, and since they would be staying there for several days, there was quite a lot to prepare.
Eric, of course, had absolutely no intention of helping.
He sat comfortably in a chair on the lawn beneath the shade of a tree, one leg crossed over the other while he lazily fanned himself with a large peacock-feather fan. A bowl of grapes rested on the small table beside him, and every now and then, he plucked one from the bunch and popped it into his mouth as he watched everyone else work.
It was rather nice being a prince.
Even better being the general's wife.
People packed for him while he sat there looking pretty.
