Chapter Twenty Three: Upcoming Ball.

Quickly, Elizabeth drew the sheet and covered her naked body, embarrassment sweeping across her face as she averted her gaze from King Murdoch.

"What is the meaning of this, Nicholas?" Murdoch glared at his son, who was already out of bed, putting on his pants. "Follow me." He turned away, with Nicholas following closely behind, until they came to a stop in the outer chamber.

Nicholas wrangled his hands frantically in the air, sighing at the glare his father was sending his way. "Okay, Father, I can explain. It's not..."

"So it's true what Arabella said?"

"You spoke to her," Nicholas was surprised at Arabella's audacity and wondered about her motives. "Pay no heed to her, Father. She's scorned about the marriage cancellation."

Murdoch shook his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. "She said you fancy that... princess, and I think she's right. What did I walk into, Nicholas?"