"Quite the accomplishment, Crown Prince. You've successfully managed to upset two princesses in one day. Hahaha!" Valdimar laughed, his expression dripping with mockery.
Sten kept his head down, gazing at the golden rose in his hand. He hadn't confused the Second Princess with someone else, but he was too shocked to respond before she turned away and departed. "Why would she assume I was mistaken? I must return this to her quickly," he thought. "But I have to speak to Ingrid first. I did not mean to raise my voice at her. Her face earlier... did she cry? Sigh. I... am worthless."
Feeling Sten's mood, Kjartan cleared his throat, "Keep it down, father. Your voice is filling this cramped carriage."
