Xenia paced back and forth across the small courtyard outside her house, glancing repeatedly toward the wooden gate as she waited for her brothers and little sister to arrive. Her hands were clasped nervously in front of her, and she struggled to remain still. She had no idea how her brothers would react when they learned about the arrangement she had made with Prince August.
Inside the room, August sat in a chair near the window with his eyes closed. He appeared perfectly at ease, as though he had no reason to be concerned about the conversation that awaited them.
The sound of approaching horses caught his attention, and he opened his eyes. Through the window, he saw Xenia hurry toward the wooden gate as her family arrived. A few moments later, she returned with her brothers.
"I'll put Lara to bed," Charlie announced, glancing at his brothers before leading their little sister inside.
Oliver turned toward Xenia and lowered his voice. "You haven't done anything wrong, have you?"
