When the maids noticed him, their eyes widened. They dipped their heads into a respectful bow.
"Your Majesty. We did not expect you to be here."
The King cleared his throat and spoke.
"I was inspecting the gardens. The flowers here have bloomed spectacularly."
What a sorry excuse.
The maids nodded. But their glances held a flicker of curiosity.
Why would the King be inspecting gardens so close to the Queen's private training courtyard?
At this hour?
Before any further conversation could unfold, the door to the courtyard opened.
The first one to walk out was Reinhardt.
His tall frame blocked the view inside.
Although his clothes were slightly damp from sweat, his face remained a mask of calm.
Looking at that face, no one would be able to tell that just prior he was having an extramarital affair with the Queen.
The king went through a multitude of emotions at this moment.
