A lump grew in Rain's throat and she nearly regretted having come here.
"I didn't mean to interrupt Your Highness. I'm sorry. It's just…I just…" she sighed, hating her nervousness, "I owe you my deepest apologies."
He suddenly looked amused and a corner of his mouth made a slight curl. "Let's hear it then."
The jest in his voice discouraged Rain, but she still went along with it. "I wish to apologize for…" heavens! The words were embarrassing to say. "…for leaving the carriage yesterday."
"You didn't just leave the carriage, princess," he corrected, resting an arm listlessly on a chair's headrest. "You escaped. Ran right into the arms of an ogre."
"Do forgive my foolishness, Your Highness. I'll be forever grateful to you for saving my life. It wasn't my intention to displease your Highness. If you give me…"
"What are you called?"
