"Karmen, I would like to speak with you alone. Shall we?" Mabel asked.
The sudden request left Karmen momentarily flustered, and even Amelie's eyes widened in surprise.
"Amelie," Mabel said with gentle authority, "eat the fruits the maid will bring for you. I'll return shortly."
Without waiting for a response, she rose gracefully and walked toward the garden. Karmen followed quietly, his mind already swirling with questions.
They stopped near a bed of blooming flowers, the scent of roses drifting in the air. The Queen finally turned to face him.
"Karmen," she began, "does Katelyn like you?"
The question stunned him. 'What? How could Her Majesty possibly know?'
"Your Majesty," he said, holding her gaze, "the truth is… I have no feelings for Princess Katelyn."
Mabel tilted her head slightly. "That is unfortunate. I had thought perhaps you were interested in her. She refuses to accept Sage, and I wondered if it was because of… you."
