Secret meeting

Once again, I snuck out of the palace, letting no one know about it aside from Mildred. From Zero's letter, he would meet me in that underground meeting room where we first met. Since it was just the two of us, I came prepared.

'I'll just kill him if he pulls off something funny,' I told myself as I raised my hand, about to knock on the door. However, before I could, the door creaked open from the inside. 

My eyes slowly raised and caught the playful smirk on his lips. "That's unexpected, but thank you, Your Majesty."

"I was looking forward to meeting you, Duchess." He grinned as he stepped to the side to make way. "Did I look excited about our… date?"

"Date?" I chuckled as I trudged in. "Sure, call this however you liked."

"I've charmed too many women in my life, but your nonchalance breaks my heart, dear." His tone was playful as he closed the door and followed me in.