"You look so pretty," he said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Why the sad look?"
Rosie clutched the strap of her tiny bag, eyes lowering as she muttered under her breath.
"I don't want to go to Dresden."
Ryley blinked. "Huh? Why?"
But before the girl could answer, a servant stepped inside and bowed respectfully.
"Miss Rosaline, it's time to go. The Sovereign is waiting."
Ryley's brows drew together at the words.
He slowly rose to his feet, his hand instinctively closing around Rosaline's small one.
"Give us a moment," he said calmly. "I will finish preparing shortly."
The servant lowered his head even further, visibly uneasy as he struggled to deliver the rest.
"Your Highness… forgive me."
A brief pause followed.
"The Sovereign will only be taking Miss Rosaline to Dresden."
As if yesterday had not been enough, Ryley now had to endure this too.
