"Better," she said simply. "I've made some new friends here."

One of whom was currently looking increasingly distressed, but she didn't dare draw attention that fact. She could always ask Lingormr later.

"Anyway," she added, "you know I'd much rather be at home. How are Mother and Alexei doing? I hope he's enjoying his internship."

Lies were supposed to be easier the second time around, weren't they? These weren't. But she widened her smile a little and kept her back straight anyway. She wasn't much of a liar, but if she told him what he wanted to hear, maybe he wouldn't notice.