Gwen POV
I did not approach him immediately.
The King was already engaged when I entered the inner chamber, speaking with two council members whose attention remained fixed on him with practiced discipline. It was not a conversation meant to be overheard, and I had no intention of interrupting it prematurely.
Timing mattered.
More than words.
I remained where I was, allowing my presence to be noticed without forcing acknowledgment. That, too, was deliberate. The King did not ignore what he was aware of, and when he chose to end the conversation, it was not abrupt, but it was final.
The two men bowed and withdrew.
Only then did he look at me.
"Duchess Gwen."
"Your Majesty."
I inclined my head properly before stepping forward.
"You've chosen a crowded evening for a private conversation," he said.
"I chose the only time you wouldn't dismiss it," I replied.
That earned a brief pause, not offense, but recognition.
"You assume quite a bit."
