CHAPTER 16: THE MUSIC ROOM

Meredith’s POV

“I am sorry you had to see all of that,” I say, picking up my robe from the floor. My eyes meet his, and I am surprised to find light in them with a smile on his face.

“Oh no, not at all. I am quite used to it, actually,” he says, and my cheeks flush once again. I keep my gaze down and cannot help but wonder how long he has worked here for him to be used to such sights.

Just when I am about to excuse myself, he says something that surprises me. “What is your name?”

“Meredith,” I reply, and a corner of his lips lifts, showcasing a dimple.

“Meredith,” he repeats, my name rolling off his tongue like honey. “I believe it means magnificent, a great ruler.”

The smile that lifts my lips is so wide, I almost thought the corners were touching my ears.

“Yes, yes, it does.” I trail off. My father told me that it was my mother who gave me that name when I was born. I would be the greatest ruler of our kingdom.

Now look at what it has become.

“Your parents made an excellent choi