"I appreciate beautiful things as well... But a true beauty, that of things brought to their utmost potential and beyond. A beauty of grace. Not - porcelain dolls."

"You like things that have purpose."

"Precisely, Svetka."

Smile.

She grins back. 

"Now, for movement within the court..."

And she begins drilling Svetka on how to hold herself, how to walk precisely and with purpose, when to bow as she comes forward, how to bow... What terms of address to use, and how to pitch her voice...

She makes it clear that they're doing a very focused rehearsal right now, much as Genya did - what Svetka will need for her initial presentation before the King. The Darkling will shield her from the other members of the court until she's ready to face them. She teaches Svetka how to hold herself if a noble tries to corner her anyways, what to say until the Darkling can intervene - how to melt into the background, as much as she can, without seeming to flee.

She's not exactly cruel, but she's a very demanding task master it seems, making Svetka repeat every single motion until she's shaking - until she's perfect at it - and then running her through everything again at the end. 

She likes learning things with precision. And having scripts for complicated social situations is better than not having any direction.

She's progressing quickly. 

Still - the sun has fully set before the Darkling declares herself fully satisfied. Svetka has been allowed water, but no food yet. 

"You've done very well," she says. 

"Thank you, General."

She inclines her head a little. "Now... I'm sure you're very hungry, after all that."

"I don't usually eat very much."

"A properly balanced diet is essential for good development." She stretches a little. "Come. We'll see you fed."

"Yes sir."

She leads Svetka out, and gets her set up with a meal that's pretty high up there on military efficiency (just a nicer one, more like what they eat when they're at a fort with enough supplies). Then, after: "Do you wish for me to alert your friend that you are done with your training for today?"

Nod. "Please."

Smile. "Alright. I'll send someone - or I can have someone show you where she is, even."

"I'd like to go see her, if I can."

She nods and summons one of the younger Grisha who act as messengers over.

"Have a good night, Svetka. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, General."

Off to see Val.

"You've been gone a while," she says. (She's discovered the palace's common library and is reading by lantern-light.)

"I've been learning how not to die immediately when I get shoved in front of the royal court."

"Oh no," she says, giggling. 

"It's not so bad. The Darkling's a good teacher."

"I'm just glad I don't need to meet the King. Can you imagine me in court?"

"I can imagine the throne room in flames."

"A start."