“I’m not used to sitting with my hands empty, that’s all.”
Voices came from just outside the room, chief among them Rafael’s. “Highness, please … “
“It’s fine, Rafael. I don’t mind.” The other voice became slightly sterner. “You’re dismissed, Rafael.” The door opened, and a pretty, dark-haired girl stood framed in it, elegantly dressed. A fine silver coronet bound her temples. “Isaac!”
“Maybe so, but now you can relax — you won’t have to work for a living here, not unless you want to, of course. Derek provides me with free accommodation and luxuries because of my being like their family, and I am positive that he will extend that same courtesy to you,” Isaac stated firmly and settled back in his chair with the intention to relax.
But, before he could relax, Cora shattered the comfortable silence and he sighed internally. “Cora — we’ve just finished breakfast, and I wasn’t quite ready yet. And I’d also appreciate you not giving my staff orders.”
“Dearest Isaac,” the princess murmured. She came over beside him and put her arms around his shoulders. “You forget I hired Rafael for you, and I outrank you both. I can give any orders I like.” She pressed her cheek to his and straightened up. “Is this your refugee?”
Summer hastily scrambled up from her chair when the princess noticed her and curtseyed, head bent. “Your Highness,” she mumbled.