Rudolf listened carefully to the woman's explanation, trying to make sense of what she was telling him. It sounded like something out of a fairy tale. But, he didn't think she was lying to him. She looked too earnest to be lying. So, either she was mad, he was mad, or she really was speaking the truth. Given the options, Rudolf found he far preferred the last.
He offered her a smile as she touched his arm. It was something his mother would have done to reassure him, and did much to make him less ill at ease. "What sort of a man is this king," he asked, "that he can take people from their homes and bring them here completely unawares? He must be very callous."
Speaking of the absent king made Rudolf realize he hadn't yet introduced himself to the woman. His eyes widened slightly, and he pulled away from her, standing up straight. "Forgive me, madam, I haven't introduced myself. I'm afraid this sudden change has robbed me of my manners." He bowed formally to her. "Rudolf Habsburg, Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary." He smiled at the woman and offered her his hand.