This Should Be The Last Time

"I don't like it one bit, Your Highness!"

Marianna pouted like a sulking child, adjusting the princess' attire. Today, Lorelai had to wear a dress that covered her entire body, all the way up to her neck––one of Marianna's errands was to procure a dress that would conceal the marks on the princess' body as it was finally time for her to leave her room. 

"You keep doing all these dangerous things, risking your health, if not even your life!" She continued her lament, though her voice still remained warm and affectionate. "Meeting that man of all people... I do not trust him with you alone!"

Lorelai smiled and shook her head, dispelling her aide's worries. "He cannot harm me right now, Marianna. I specifically chose the queen's lunch gathering to avoid unnecessary conflict with him. With the foreign guests around, he will never dare to do anything compromising."