"Well, I have no objection if Prince August has already given his heart to our sister," Charlie stated, looking between Xenia and the prince. Although the news had come as a surprise, he seemed willing to trust her judgment.
"I do have a problem with it," Henry interrupted. He turned toward Xenia, his expression serious. "Xenia, come with me. I need to speak to you in private."
Without waiting for a response, he walked out of the room, leaving the others exchanging confused glances. August, in particular, seemed displeased by the interruption, though he said nothing.
Xenia hesitated before following her brother outside. She found him standing in the small garden to the right of the house, beneath a tree whose branches had dried in the cold weather.
Henry turned as he heard her approaching, his face growing more serious when she stopped in front of him.
