The frozen lily (2)

Faced with Prince Zephyr's question, Marlena ground her teeth as she tried to think of an excuse. Eventually, she would tell him the truth about why she couldn't get too close to him but now was not the right time. She took a few sips of her tea and coughed in a fit. "I haven't been feeling well this morning. I'm afraid riding will not be good for me." 

He reached over the table and placed the back of his hand on her forehead. He chuckled. "You are alright." 

"But I feel nauseous. I should see the physician before deciding to ride. The royal physician is currently not in the castle because he follows the king and queen like a shadow in case they suddenly fall ill, but my mother knows lots of things about healing."