The question made Nausicaa pause for a moment. Historically, the King himself dealt with the ward-witches — and any other magifolk the kingdom secretly employed. She was only here, in fact, because Pela had arrived a little earlier than expected, with the King still on his way back from the Crown's routine check of the mines.

She was only supposed to give the ward-witch her orders and get her settled in the palace. But an opportunity had presented itself, and it was the most excitement the young queen had in months.

"You can report to me directly." Can. Damn, she should've used a more definitive word. "While the King has yet to return," she amended, which didn't really make it so much better. She would just have to act fast and seize the moment. "Do you mind if I watch you work? Just... for a while." Her formal countenance faded a little as her curiosity seeped through. "I have never seen a ward-witch at work before."