Origin (2)

A few hours earlier. 

"I've been looking for you all over the castle," Zephyr said as he sat down on the chair next to Marlena, who was reading a book at the table. "I didn't think to come to the library." 

She closed her book and turned to him. "You wouldn't find me here normally. The royal family doesn't let me." 

He raised a brow. "But they made an exception today? Is it because there are guests in the castle and they want everyone to think you are a proper princess who reads a lot when she has any time in her hands?" 

"If that's what princesses do, I might just be one." She chuckled. "Maybe they put on this show for you. So you don't ask why a princess is not allowed to read. Queen Loretta asked me to spend the afternoon here." 

He pried the book she'd been reading out of her hands. "What are you reading?"