“You have been caught, sir,” I explained. “It’s not a matter of how I see you; it’s a matter of how you are to be seen. But have no fear, for I have chosen not to judge you too harshly. I am a merciful queen,” I said.
“You are the Princess, not Queen, and yourknightis a busy fellow, isn’t he?” Cyrus asked. “Strange that he has heard such things of me, yet he continues to leave his prized responsibility in my menacing hands.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“It means that perhaps you are not as righteous and pure as you would hope others saw you as,” he said.
I scoffed. “How dare you!” I cried.
“Yes, how dare I? Why is it fair for you to imply that I am scandalous, yet when you conduct the same behavior or fix your wagon to mine, you remain untouched?” he asked.
“I think it’s a little different, sir,” I said.
“How?”
“The Prince asked me to accompany you, for one,” I said.
“Uh-huh.”
“Don’t uh-huh me!” I said. “How dare you imply that I am of the same social predictability as you.”
“Social predictability,” he repeated.
“Further, my knight allows me to be left with you despite his better judgment because…Well, I may have convinced him you weren’t a threat.”
“Am I not?” he asked. “Then the rumors you’ve heard do no justice to mytalent, I fear.”
I shushed him. “I am alady,sir. What are you suggesting?”
“I’msuggestingthat-” He stopped, listening to the woods.
“What is it?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing. I thought I heard something.” Cyrus moved his horse closer to mine. “Have you repaired your quarrel with Sam yet?”
“We’re speaking of Sam now?” I asked.
“Aye, Sam. Have you spoken to him in regards to Miss Agatha?”
“...Was I supposed to?”
“Hmm.”
“What hmm?” I squinted. “Why would I care about Miss Agatha?”
“I’m not sure I should be the one to share his information, should he choose not to deliver it.”
“That is far too cryptic to remain ignored. Now youmusttell me,” I said.
“Oh, Imust?”he teased. “Yes. Because that is a royal decree, or?”
“If it must be, then yes!” I said. “Tell me! I do not like secrets.”
“Secrets!” he said. “You are by far the mostdramaticwoman I have met.”
“You’re the one who so desperately wishes to share whatever it is you want to say!” I imitated him.“Have you spoken to Sam about Miss Agatha, oh, I’ve said too much! Never mind!”I groaned. “You’redramatic!”
“Oh, I do notwishto share it, love, I just wished to know if you’d become aware of it.”
