Laurel gaped up at him, sniffling, “Y-Your Majesty, what are you doing here?”
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze searching her face as she tried to wipe her face.
“Why are you crying?”
“I-It’s nothing.”
Adolph cupped her face, wiping her tears, “I came back to the castle and you were not there, so I came out to look for you. Chasel told me that it was Delia and the head maid who threw you out. They’ll pay for this, Laurel. You needn’t cry—”
She shook her head, pulling away from him, “No! That’s not—It’s not their fault, Your Majesty.”
Adolph tugged her back to face him but she pulled away again, hiding her face.
“Then why are you crying?”
“It’s nothing, I said. It’s just… a sad little memory.” She sniffled and turned away from him.
His hand closed around her arm, gentle and firm.
