Spare Her For The Night

Oriana returned to her room with a flushed face. Whether it was due to running or from her encounter with the prince, not even she could tell. 

She closed the door behind her, trying to catch her breath, and leaned against the locked door. 

Drip, drip…

Although she was able to find shelter at the first sign of rain, it was a heavy downpour and the top part of her clothes were drenched. She shivered, but paid it no heed. Her mind was in chaos. 

'I know.' 

His words rang in her ears again and again. 

When did he learn she was a woman? Why didn't he ever show he knew? Why did he not punish her? Why did he let her deceive him? 

The delegation of Megaris had long known the truth, but they promised not to expose her secret, giving Oriana the time to tell Arlan herself. Aside from them…

'Could it be Sir Loyset?'