Her breathing steadied. For a fleeting moment, she felt lighter. And then, Henryis face slipped in.
His voice. His hands. The warmth of his touch. His fingers inside her... Her eyes flew open.
The ceiling snapped back into view, the fragile illusion shattering instantly. Her heart pounded violently against her chest as she sucked in a sharp breath.
How had that gotten in there?
*****
Henry had just finished his customary walk along the palace gardens with Princess Madeleine when Lord Ashcroft approached.
"Your Majesty… Princess…" Lionel greeted, offering a respectful bow.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured hedges and fountains of Whitehall's grounds. Madeleine stood beside Henry, composed as ever, her gloved hands folded neatly before her.
Henry glanced at her briefly before speaking. "You may return to your apartments, Madeleine."
