Chapter 73

Someone was standing by the window.

The drawing room was dark, but I could see their silhouette thanks to the moonlight shining through the mesh curtains. They appeared to be looking out of the window, their back turned towards me. My heart thumping in my chest, I stepped back in an attempt to escape, only to be stopped by a familiar male voice.

“You’re here…” The person finally looked at me. They were wearing a turquoise and gold suit. A royal butler.

“Clifford?” I squinted to see the man properly, my eyes adjusting in the dark. He was… smiling. It was unusual, but not unwelcome. “It’s late. What are you still doing here?”

“I noticed you were not here after His Majesty’s visit. Where were you?”

I closed the door behind me and walked towards my bedroom. “I just went out for a walk. You can go back now.”

“Oh, alright. Good night, my princess,” he said, a soft lilt in his voice. “Sweet dreams.”

I raised my eyebrows at that. He never smiles or croons. The butler was always professional a