Summer gently kissed Isaac, for reassurance. “He won’t go back on his word,” she murmured. The guard came over and offered his hand to help Isaac up before stepping back with his hands behind his back.
“If you’ll just come with me, m’lord.”
He allowed the guard to pull him upright, stopping only to kiss Summer soundly on the lips and briefly pull her into a tight embrace, murmuring soothing words in her ear. Then, he moved away and stepped out of the room, taking a series of deep, calming breaths as he allowed the guard to lead the way.
Although no one the pair passed said a word, every guard standing at attention, every maid or manservant in the antechambers, had a nod or a smile or a friendly gesture for Isaac. Apparently, regardless of what their Prince might or might not have to say, the folk of the castle approved of Isaac — or they loved their sad Princess.
Prince Edward waited, all but alone, in a small room somewhere near the centre of the castle. Like his guards, he kept his hands clasped behind his back, and watched Isaac enter with level green eyes, the same shade as his daughters’.