'Because I like you, because you're my friend.' Maekar said she wasn't aware of this softness from a man they called The Anvil, he'd been known to be harsh that she did not expect this side of him.
'I...that's very kind of you.' she replied, stumbling over her words. 'Would you like me to read it to you sometime?'
'Yes.'
Alys rubbed her thumb on the leather of the book, it was ancient, she had not expected to find a copy anywhere in the Seven Kingdoms but now she had one in her hands, and given to her as a gift of all things. Surely friends didn't give each other such prized possessions?
'Thank you, Your Grace.' she said, making eye contact.
There was a hint of a twinkle in his eyes which led her to think that her eyes were playing tricks on her.
'You are very welcome, my lady.'