“Louis... you have finally decided to show yourself. Are you done playing silhouette in the shadows? "
Louis held Mariah's gaze squarely knowing that if he dared to avert it, she would presume a betrayal of some kind.
"My apologies your highness, I implore you to listen to my reason of disappearing before assuming the worst of me."
Mariah regarded Louis with every ounce of scrutiny she could muster. He appeared calm and collected with no indication of unease or discomfort. Either he was being honest or he was very good at pretending, she would wisely pick the latter.
"Feel free to intrigue me with this reason."
Louis averted his gaze to study the physician's chamber where they were currently standing facing each other. The room was dimly lit with herbal candles that em
