“Are we really that close to the castle?” Molly wrinkled her nose. “That’s – strange.” Realizing that most people would probably have found her words – if not her tone – insulting, Molly added simply, “Like I told Thomas, I haven’t really been paying attention to where I’ve been going lately. I didn’t see a castle. I’ve never seen any castle before. Well, unless you count sandcastles.” Molly shrugged. She doubted the Queen and Prince would be anything like the exceedingly unhappy crabs she had forced to stay in her sandcastles as a bizarre little monarchy. Sometimes she missed her childhood. Things were less complicated then. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about these monarchs pinching her fingers. She smiled to herself over the idea.
“I had heard about the king, but you’re closer to all that here. I’m sorry.” Molly wasn’t sure is she should be offering her condolences. Did these people care a great deal about the king? His popularity tended to vary by town – at least in her experience. Though, to be honest, it may just have been a reflection on the quality of company she’d been keeping. Drunks tend to complain a lot more over imagined grievances. Belatedly, she picked up her tea and took a small sip, testing the temperature.