Annabelle nodded. She watched Duncan leave. She sighed a bit afterwards. She was lost in her own thoughts after that. She thought about her hopes of falling in love before marrying that she once had. Now? Now she just hopes for a good alliance so that her people were safe from war and enslavement. 

……………………….




Madeline was in the gardens. She was staring at the biggest red rose bush that was there. She blinked upon hearing Duncans' voice. She turned to see him there, standing close by. But, it seemed like he was trying to keep his distance. That was how it seemed to her anyway. 

She chuckled slightly. 
"I always walk out to the gardens to think at times like this."
She turned to face him. She nodded. 
"I love the roses. The red ones are my favorites."

The lady in waiting faintly smiled. She took a careful step towards him. But, she did not get any closer in case he did not want her to or he felt uncomfortable with such a thing. Madeline was always considerate like that. It was one of the many reasons why she and the princess were such good friends.