Undeniable Hope

The princess and young knight pulled away from each other at such speed, Henry was certain they had broken some type of record. 

Katherine, not knowing what else to do, bowed her head, until the two righted themselves. 

"What is it, Miss Katherine?" Princess Marie asked, though her voice was strange. She was trying to sound authoritative but her voice was shaky. 

"Someone had seen you go outside and was worried due to the storm, your highness," she explained. "Your brother said I ought to look for you here."

"Right," the princess said. "Now run along."

As soon as Katherine had made herself scarce, Henry witnessed the princess slump as stress weighed heavily on her. It was the first time he had seen her break her perfect posture. 

"I-I'm sorry, princess," he said. "I was carried away." 

"Henry…" she didn't know what to say to stall him for longer.