Arthur almost reflexively took half a step back, his gaze quickly shifting from the desktop back to the center of the study.
The door was pushed open.
Cold air rushed in first, and when Victoria entered the study, her cheeks still carried a hint of redness that had not yet faded. Her dark cloak was still not undone, but her gloves were casually clenched in her palm.
Her expression did not appear tired, but rather had a clarity that comes after being blown by the cold wind.
"Sir Arthur." She spoke first: "I went for a ride, I kept you waiting."
Arthur bowed: "Your Majesty, you are too kind."
Victoria handed the cloak to the attendant behind her: "The air in the garden is nice enough to help me forget the unpleasantness I encountered earlier today."
Perhaps feeling guilty like a thief, Arthur turned the topic to the desk before Victoria could speak: "Has Your Majesty taken an interest in Shakespeare again recently?"
