"Oh, she is out with Stel. They had some business to attend to," Sheila replied.
Just then, two maids entered the room to serve Delvin's meal. They bowed and knelt beside the table.
"So what am I supposed to do today?" Delvin asked as he ate.
"That is up to you. There are no meetings or inspections today, so you can rest, read, or do whatever you like," Sheila said, offering him a napkin.
He accepted it and continued eating.
When he was finished, the two maids cleared the dishes and left the room.
Delvin stood and looked out the window toward the hills surrounding the kingdom. Sheila busied herself by reorganizing the books on his shelf.
"I haven't had time to visit that place in a while," Delvin said.
"What place?" Sheila asked.
Delvin motioned for her to join him by the window. She walked over, and he pointed toward the distant hills.
"There. The hills. I used to go hunting with my father there at night."
"Why at night?" she asked.
"So my brothers wouldn't find out and think I was being favored in any way," he replied.
Sheila stood silently for a moment, gazing at the hills.
Without warning, Delvin wrapped his arms around her, catching her completely off guard.
She froze for a second before grabbing his arms and trying to pull away.
Delvin tightened his hold and rested his head on her shoulder.
"Didn't you say I could do whatever I wanted today?" he asked, his lips brushing lightly against her neck.
She gasped and jumped forward, escaping his grasp.
Delvin grinned.
Then he walked back to the bed and sat on its edge.
"So, what do you suggest I do?" he asked.
"Sleep. Read. Choose your outfit for the ball. It's tomorrow," she replied.
Still flustered, she hurried toward the door.
Delvin smiled as he watched her leave the room.