Al hadn't realized he wasn't alone. Careless, that's what it was -- what if someone had stormed the castle? (He'd probably have noticed that.)

And then he realized whose dark eyes were staring him down. Al turned bright red, looking down at his hands.

But at least Edmund -- King Edmund -- had asked him a question. He had to answer, even if the only answer he had to give him was a little ridiculous.

"Dusting the vases with my tail, Sire."

Extremely ridiculous.