"Your Grace," Joanna interrupted, bowing low to the mother and son. "I just saw Prince August's bodyguard bringing an unknown woman into the estate. Perhaps you should look into the matter."
Roman pulled away from his mother, his brow furrowing in confusion at the maid's words.
"Stay with Roman and take him back to his chamber," Eilika instructed calmly, smoothing her skirts as she stood from the stone bench.
She turned and walked briskly back toward the palace, tracking the bodyguard's likely path to the guest quarters. Upon reaching the private chamber, she found the heavy oak doors shut. She raised her hand and knocked firmly.
The door swung inward almost immediately. Samir bowed deeply before stepping aside to grant her passage.
"I heard you brought a woman here," Eilika began, stepping across the threshold.
August rose from his armchair, resting his hands behind his back. "Eilika?"
