Philippa was sitting in her room with Jaqueline that evening, painting the princess's nails when there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" Jaqueline called.
"Just me," they heard Bardulf call.
Philippa clapped once, letting him know he was accepted. Once the door was shut, he walked over and sat beside her, kissing her head before watching what she was doing. "She offered," Jaqueline explained.
"I can imagine," Bardulf chuckled. "Princess, I would like to thank you for watching over her while I was not here. Not just the past couple of weeks, but before we met. I am glad she had you as a charge and not someone like Roderick."
Jaqueline smiled. "I am too. And it's no big deal, Majesty. She's my best friend. I never saw her as a maid, but as a friend. Someone I could talk to when there was no one else around."
He nodded. "Good. And don't call me that. I think it's safe if you call me by my name. If anyone objects, I'm happy to clear the air."
