"Y—Your Majesty!"
As I strolled out of the courtyard and back into the open, sweeping corridors, Dorothy rushed up from behind me.
"What is it, Dorothy?" I asked, turning to face her with a calm gaze.
"I—I..." She immediately averted her eyes the moment they met mine, her delicate fists clenching tight as a fine tremor ran through her frame. "I am not..."
"You are not...?"
"I…I!"
"Dorothy."
"Y—Yes?" She finally looked up, her expression a mix of lingering fear and nervousness.
"I have a long day ahead of me. Take your time, and find me when you have gathered your thoughts," I said, offering her a faint, dismissive smile before turning back around.
I could hear her stammering something quietly behind me, but I did not afford her the courtesy of finishing.
"Leilah, are you still there?" I asked to the empty air.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied instantly, materializing from the shadows just behind my shoulder.
"Tell me, do I frighten you?" I asked.
