Eleven

RAPHAEL

"I'm sorry, sire!" Rhea jumped when she saw me by the curtain. I had made my presence known, and she hastily turned her back to me with her head bowed.

"I'll leave and return later. I didn't realize it was time," she said.

"No," I replied, my eyes still fixed on Cinzia's beautiful face. She looked back at me, but I could tell she didn't know exactly what I looked like.

"I'll be back," I assured. "Dress her in the finest attire, fit for a princess."

Rhea nodded and bowed. I walked to the door, stealing a final glance at Cinzia. I hoped she was worth my time, as I couldn't keep searching endlessly for signs.

"Goodness, who do people think they are? That they can simply walk into your private space and issue commands just because they believe they're superior or godlike?"

I overheard Cinzia mutter before I left the room. Without saying it, I knew she was trouble, and I wasn't sure I was ready for that.

As soon as I reached the throne room, Johnson stammered, "Sire..."

I looked at