39
Understanding
William sighed as he walked out into the courtyard gardens and the doors shut behind him, giving at least some privacy. He could ignore the Elite—they were always present—and he knew Alex and Isabella would stand discreetly out of earshot. He knew the princess’s own people would be disgruntled to be kept inside. The Elite had adroitly stood in their path when some of them had moved to follow.
He settled Rosalinda on a bench in a small grotto off to one side of the garden. It at least gave them a sense of privacy even if the reality was that everyone within the function room was watching them both avidly.
William contemplated the woman who was to be his consort. He had been advised that if he didn’t go through with this, it would give the Empire cause to beat the drums
