Her spine slowly straightened.
Then she looked at the person standing beside her.
"Lord Andon."
"Miss Stenly." He sketched a small bow.
Claire gulped and arranged her already neat gown.
"I take it that you do not plan on telling me why you were eavesdropping on highly esteemed council members."
She fumbled with a smile.
"You saw nothing, Lord Andon." Then she spun on her heels and made to walk away.
"Miss Stenly?" He called out.
She stopped walking and glanced over her shoulder.
"Yes?"
"The King will not be joining the meeting for today."
"Am I to see him in his private chambers?" She felt her pulse quicken at the thought.
His lips quirked into a sly grin.
"As much as I hate to say this, you cannot. The King will be indisposed for the rest of the day. Enjoy your… freedom."
"What about his family?"
He raised a brow. "They will be fine… unless you have a reason to think otherwise?"
"Of course not. I only asked because I expected him to spend time with them."
