Arlan led Oriana to the carriage where everyone was already prepared to depart from the Oak palace. Rafal opened the carriage door for them while Arlan faced Imbert, still holding Oriana's hand. "Did you get the sword?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Imbert replied.
Arlan helped Oriana climb into the carriage and followed her inside. As soon as he settled himself opposite her, he held her hand and pulled her onto his lap with a strong tug.
Startled, she almost screamed, "Arlan…"
"Shh…" he hushed her, pressing a finger to her lips. "Do you want everyone outside to hear you?"
She swallowed hard, sure that everyone had already heard her outburst.
Indeed, her scream from inside the carriage had startled the knights and servants, who exchanged glances.
"Move," Imbert ordered coldly, and everyone resumed their tasks as the Prince's carriage rolled forward. By now, everyone knew their Prince didn't care about time or place.
