When she reached the king's room and pushed the door open, her heart skipped. Lord Rowland was already there, standing beside the king, deep in conversation. But the moment they saw her, they both fell silent.
Fortuna stood at the entrance, her eyes locking on the king. She wasn't sure what hurt more—the silence, or the fact that they seemed surprised to see her at all.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Fortuna said with a graceful bow, her heart pounding even though her face held a calm smile.
"Queen Fortuna… Welcome," the king replied, his voice steady. He didn't sound surprised to see her. That meant he wasn't going to shout. Not today.
She smiled wider and stepped closer. "When did you return?"
"Not long ago. Lord Rowland mentioned you were asking after me."
"Yes, I was worried," she said softly. "I would have come to you the moment you arrived, but I had to handle something… with one of your concubines."
