Warmth on a Cold Winter Day

Henry wasn't the only knight in the room with a keen eye. Commander Lothian had seen the flash of blonde hair the moment Henry did.

When he turned to the younger knight, the commander's eyebrows raised at Henry. They shared a silent message of acknowledgment and Henry expected that was all that would happen.

He was within feet of the princess but was not allowed to see her because of the Crown Prince. There was no way he could walk out of a meeting with the king without being dismissed, after all. His newly gained respect from the king would vanish in an instant if that were to happen.

The commander took control of the situation.

"Seeing that Henry has prior duties to uphold outside of Hydrogia, his presence is no longer needed in this meeting," the commander said. "I need to speak with the king in private regarding a prior discussion. If that's alright with you, your highness."