"If you'll wait here a moment, I'll just be a moment explaining to them that we would like to join them for lunch." Lyron explained, looking a little bemused still.

"Perfect." I said with a smile, folding my hands behind my back and making a show of nodding with my head towards the steps in a sign that he should hurry up.

That startled another laugh out of him, and he hurried down some steps into the room below. Straining my ears, I tried to listen to hear anything more than just the distant murmur of their voices below, but it was impossible to make out from so far away.

After what seemed like an age, he reappeared at the bottom and gestured for me to follow him down. With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I schooled my face into a welcoming expression and headed down to join him.

The stairs opened out into a wide stone room with three large fireplaces, clearly made for cooking, and an assortment of pots and pans hanging from beams on the ceiling.

A long wooden table, with benches on either side, stretched the length of the room. Standing alongside it were around thirty people with the same rat-like features as Atticus. Some wore dresses that clearly marked them as maids, and others looked to wear guard uniforms like he had.

Two met my gaze with a sort of defiance, daring me to flinch or run screaming. The others ducked their heads, appearing to be expecting something similar and resigned all the same.

"Miss Weatherby, I'd like to introduce the staff who keep the place running." Lyron declared, hand pressing to the small of my back in a silent gesture of support.

I straightened and smiled as I looked at them all. If only they knew that only days ago, I had been the one helping to cook and clean. I wasn't as different from them as they might think. "It's so lovely to meet you all. I hope you don't mind, but I'd love to join you for lunch?"

Eyes shot up to me and then looked at each other in confusion. "Is that even allowed?" one of the maids nearest to us blurt out, before clapping a hand over her snout as she realised she had said it aloud.

"Well, Lord Lyron has already agreed to it so there's nothing to fear there. We just wanted to ask you as well if you're comfortable with it." I said, glancing over my shoulder at him.

"Lord?" the same maid asked.

Lyron nodded emphatically. "Yes, Lord... that is I, I say it is acceptable to me if it is for you all?"

"We have a choice?" Another asked from somewhere further down the table.

"Of course. The last thing I would ever want is to make you uncomfortable." I said quickly, "I'd just like to get to know you. I haven't really seen any of you around, although I've tasted your amazing food and seen how well you look after the place."

Although a couple still looked doubtful, most visibly preened under the praise. As someone who spent much time in their shoes, I knew it was rarely given.

A plump woman in a green dress and apron stepped forwards. "I'd be happy to welcome you to eat in my kitchen. It's been a long time since we've had company, so forgive the lack of manners." She flicked her tail towards the rest of the room as she spoke and they immediately sprang into action, gathering food and creating a spread on the table.

"Can I help with anything?" I asked, trying not to get in the way as they rushed about around us, placing large hunks of meats alongside breads and cheeses on the table.

I had feared they weren't eating as well as we were. But seeing the variety of food, I was beginning to see that I had been wrong. Perhaps there was more I had been wrong about when I made assumptions on my arrival here?

The same woman shook her head, whiskers twitching into an odd sort of smile. "Not to worry dear, best to leave them to it. My name's Ama, and I am the cook here."

I stepped closer to her, trying to keep out of the way of the work taking place around us. I sensed rather than saw Lyron moving with me. His silent presence was comforting and glancing back at him, I offered a small smile. His expression was shuttered, giving nothing away, as he offered a half-smile in response.

Deciding I couldn't dwell on his odd behaviour, I returned my attention to the cook again. "Pleased to meet you Ama, I'm Gwen." I said, offering her my hand.

She took it, shaking it firmly with warm, clawed fingers. "We all know who you are, Miss Weatherby, and we hope you'll be very happy here."

The pointed look she shot Lyron over my shoulder almost had me turning to him, back to face him, but his hands moved to my shoulders, guiding me towards the bench seat. Everyone hurried to sit down, and I took in the feast they had created.

My tummy rumbled and my cheeks burned with an embarrassment I fought to hide. "This looks incredible."

"There's no standing on ceremony down here, Miss Weatherby. Tuck in and enjoy." Ama laughed as she started to scoop things onto her own plate.