Madeline frowned. She sighed and nodded. 
"is it safe to assume that you wish for me to leave now, then?"
She paused to allow him to answer. The lady in waiting stood up. She took a careful breath. She was quiet and rather patient. she did not wish to leave Duncan so soon, but if she had no other choice then she would. The princess needed her as much as Duncan did, although not in the same way. 


…………………………



Annabelle blinked when Desmond suddenly left. She sighed when he did. Her frown remained. She blinked and gasped, startled, when keith suddenly approached her and spoke to her out of nowhere, or so it seemed. She took a deep breath and calmed herself before she said anything to him. 
"oh, um, greetings your majesty."
She paused for a moment. She sighed and shook her head.
"There is nothing that can be done, especially under these circumstances, i'm afraid."
She continued to frown.