[Mekatra]

Joane chuckled at the look. She had to get him back for the quip about the gown going great with her eyes somehow. She had heard his story, or some variation minus the cat part, too many times to count. Unlike the queen, she was used to the pain and suffering that came from poverty.

Elizaveta's frown grew as he spoke. "Ah... yes, how unfortunate that we didn't know of your existence before now. Is this kind of life normal for young children where you grew up?" She seemed horrified at the prospect.