Perhaps You Should Leave

For a moment, all that could be heard in the sitting room was the crackling of flames against the nice-smelling pine wood that was in each of the fireplaces throughout the palace. Despite it being a smokier choice of wood, the king liked how it smelled during winter. 

Henry knew that he was opening Pandora's box by posing the question in such a way, but it wasn't the first time that day he had been hurt and he didn't feel like walking on eggshells any longer. 

Princess Marie knew she couldn't be angry with him. He was bound to find out since she was too terrified to tell him herself. It didn't stop her defensiveness from coming forth.

"It seems you already know the answer to that question," she finally broke the silence. Except she couldn't leave it at just that, she continued. "Are you upset?" 

Henry wanted to be mad but he felt defeated. The worst memories he had with the princess had to do with Ian.