“I, um…” Lyria stuttered, unsure of what to say. The King peered down at her with a look of mild curiosity. “Uh, I–”
Lyria glanced down and remembered she was wearing a guard uniform. She blushed and looked up, meeting the King’s gaze.
Suddenly realizing that she hadn’t, she hurried to bow. However, the King seemed to sense it and reached out, putting a hand on her arm.
“No need for formalities,” he said gently. “There’s no one here but us,” he added. “Although,” he said, and he suddenly began to look around, “I actually came out because I heard a commotion.”
“Oh,” Lyria said, trying to feign surprise, “I didn’t hear anything,” she blustered.
“So,” he said, “can I escort you back to the castle?” He extended an arm to her. Nodding, suddenly feeling shy, she reached out and wound an arm
