NEW BESTIES

"HOW are you, Princess Brigitte?" Nikolai asked the first princess of Hazelden Kingdom in his usual disinterested voice. But for the sake of formality, he invited Princess Brigitte for a morning tea in the rose garden of Yule Palace. "I hope the accommodation that we prepared for you and Count Elwood is to your liking."

"Nowell and I are comfortable, Your Majesty," Princess Brigitte said formally, then she elegantly put her teacup down on the saucer. "Thank you for providing us the best service for our temporary stay, Your Majesty."

He just sipped his tea.

The two of them weren't alone in the rose garden. Glenn and Count Nowell Elwood were standing by the entrance of the rose garden. The two guards' distance was far enough not to hear their conversation, but quite close enough to reach them if ever they were ambushed.