Katherine and Martha returned to the castle just as the sun set. On their way home, Katherine was prepared to give the queen some space to let her mourn a little more. However, the queen didn't want that. Instead, she chatted the whole way home, telling stories about her childhood, and encouraging Katherine to share some of her own. Soon, the two found themselves laughing as they crossed the drawbridge. When they entered the courtyard, Katherine spotted the king standing in the same spot as when they'd left, as if he hadn't moved at all.
"It seems you two are enjoying yourself," the king commented, walking toward them.
"Yes, we had a lovely day," Martha said, dismounting her horse. She met the king halfway and gave him a kiss on the cheek as he hugged her. Katherine observed them silentl
