The Knightess And The King

"What's wrong, sweetling?" He asked without much thought. 

He was more worried that perhaps Sierra caught a cold from being out in the open night air. Before he could say or do anything else, Sierra sidestepped away from him and hurriedly made her way back into the ballroom. 

She stopped at the entrance of the balcony, where he stood just moments before, and turned back around. 

"My apologies, Your Majesty. But I think it would be best for us to keep our distance." With that, Sierra curtsied and left the ballroom. 

Ida followed her closely behind as they made their way back to Celestial Lodge. Ida remained silent throughout, uncertain of what to say or what to make of what had happened. When they finally got back to Sierra's room, she went to start a hot water bath for the princess.

"There's no need for that, Ida," Sierra said absentmindedly as she quickly changed out of the dress, "You can start the bath later. I… I need some fresh air."