He found himself glancing out of the window far more often than he ought to, straining for a glimpse of a familiar figure on horseback just so he’d know Felix was back safe.
He felt a pang of envy at the thought of Felix out riding Shadow. Mattias and Janus had both told him in no uncertain terms that there would be no riding for him until the spies they’d sent out had returned and they knew more about the identity of his attacker. Leo wouldn’t dream of going against them, but he missed the feeling of a mount under him more than he’d thought he would. Combined with his inability to spend any time with Felix, it was no wonder he was out of sorts when he’d been denied two of his favourite things.
“Your Majesty?” Sophia’s voice broke through his thoughts and Leo realised he’d been staring out the window again for the fourth or possibly fifth time since they’d started the meeting.
“Apologies,” he said and went to turn his attention back to the map, but Sophia pulled it out from under his hand and rolled it up, and then had the audacity to tap him on the shoulder with it.
“Sit,” she commanded.
Leo sat.
She gave a small, satisfied nod and turned to Mattias. “Chancellor, clear the room. His Majesty and I have some things to discuss. You’ll stay, of course,” she added when Mattias hesitated.
Mattias dismissed the guards, and when it was just the three of them, Sophia put a hand on one hip and with the other tapped the desk with the map. “What’s going on, Leopold? Why is your head in the clouds?”
“My head isnotin the clouds,” Leo said in protest. It was true—it was in the stables.
“No? Then why did you just let me talk you out of an extra five miles of territory?”
“Did I?” Leo blinked.
“Yes. Thank goodness your chancellor has a decent brain in his head, or I could have reduced your kingdom to the city of Ravenport by now without you noticing.” Her eyes narrowed. “Is it something to do with your pretty groom?”
“No,” Leo lied. “I’m still unsettled by the attempt on my life, if you must know.” It was the best he could manage at short notice.
“Yes, I heard about that.” She took a seat opposite him at the table, elbows resting in a most unladylike manner as she leaned forward and held his gaze. “But I don’t think that’s it, unless you keep looking out the window for your attacker. So, I can only conclude that your attention is fixed on your young man.”
Mattias had the audacity to let out a low chuckle. “Well spotted, ma’am.”
Sophia turned a brilliant smile on him. “Since Leopold seems to be struck dumb, perhaps you can enlighten me as to why I’m wasting my time here while he moons and stares out the window?”
“I’m not struck dumb,” Leopold said. “It’s just—” He sighed.
Sophia’s expression softened. “Has he left you?”
Leo hesitated. He considered telling the princess that it was none of her business, but her gaze was warm, and she seemed like she might just understand. He sighed again, deeper this time. “I…don’t think so? But we have had something of a falling out.”
“I knew it,” Mattias said. “When Felix left, he had a face like a kicked puppy.”
Sophia sat back in her chair, set the map down, and folded her hands in her lap. “And where is he now?”
“Riding,” Leo muttered. “He said he needed to clear his head.”
“And you didn’t go after him and apologise for whatever stupid thing you said?”
“Why are you assuming I’m the one who said something stupid?” Leo crossed his arms over his chest defensively.
Mattias and Sophia exchanged a look before Mattias said, “Experience?”
“I could have you stripped of your knighthood, you know,” Leo grumbled.
Mattias didn’t even have the good grace to look concerned, instead flapping a dismissive hand. “If you were going to do it, you would have done it years ago.”
Sophia let out a snorting laugh. “I do love that you keep him humble,” she said to Mattias, giving him another dazzling smile before turning her attention back to Leo. “I find myself in need of fresh air. I’m going to go and walk in the castle gardens, andyou’regoing to go to the stables and see your groom.”
“He might not be back yet,” Leo said, even as something that was either excitement or foreboding fluttered in his chest.
“Well, if he isn’t, you’ll wait there and work on your apology, won’t you?” Sophia said, standing. She extended an arm to Mattias and dipped her head. “Chancellor, would you do me the courtesy of accompanying me on my walk?”
