"She's growing up just like you, Clavia," Thadd said, knowing he could get into trouble for that, so neatly stepping back towards the bridge as he downed the last bite of his sandwich.
Dantz sighed. "She'll get you anyway," he told his friend, finishing off his own sandwich and chasing it down with the rest of the water in his glass. "If I could get another glass of water, missy, I'll be able to get back to work on the queen's bridge."
Nack didn't say anything, struggling to finish his food that he'd been the last to get to.
While Karin refilled Dantz's glass, Thadd looked at the queen. "You and Clavia are life-savers, Your Majesty," he said. "I hadn't even noticed how hungry I was getting."
Dantz took a swig of his water. "Soon's Nack there gets a refill on his water, we'll get back to work." He looked back at the bridge, evaluating their progress. "It's about two thirds done, give or take a bit. We'll more than have it done by late afternoon."