STOP!

In the palace gazebo…

I put all my groceries on the seat on the left. The princess was sitting on my right. From the look on her face, she seemed worried about something.

"Princess, is there anything I can help you with?" I asked immediately.

"Um, sorry. I've wasted your time. But there are a few things I want to ask you," she began.

"About what, Princess?" I asked back.

"This… er, about… prince Zu."

"Prince Zu?"

I looked at her carefully while she seemed hesitant to look at me. However, I know it is insulting to look away while speaking. But it seems there's something she's hiding and doesn't want me to know.

"Yes." She nodded slowly.

I suddenly had a bad feeling when she wanted to ask something about Zu. But because I don't want to waste time, I just let her ask.

"I will answer as best I can, Princess. Please."