Wilder's POV:
The guards had informed me that a boy had requested an audience with me. I knew the only boy audacious enough to do so in the palace would be Francis. I granted him an audience and now sat in the throne room, I waited for him to arrive, my mind wandering, as I wondered what Francis wanted to discuss.
"Your Highness," Francis greeted, kneeling with his head bowed to the ground.
"Rise," I commanded, and he stood up immediately.
"Why did you request an audience with me?" I asked. Francis glanced at the guards, then back at me with an uncertain look.
"Do you want the guards to leave?" I asked, and Francis nodded eagerly.
"Hmm," I murmured, signalling to the guards to exit the room. "Now, speak!"
"I overheard something, Your Highness," Francis said, and my curiosity piqued
