Royalty Has No Friends

William waited until the banquet was in full swing and people were dancing, before he snuck out of the great hall. He moved quietly down the warren of empty back corridors and stairs, grateful for Magdaline's mazelike layout.

He hadn't been able to stop thinking about Camilla. Despite Richard's blasé logic, he was certain she was hiding something serious. She wouldn't have isolated herself from everyone over some silly misunderstanding. The bruises on her arms had William especially concerned, that and the way she'd tried to hide them.

He'd appeared to agree with Richard's suggestion to not see the princess again, but he knew he wasn't ever going to keep his word. "He doesn't know her like I do." he whispered to himself.

William was determined to speak with her again and not to leave until she told him the truth. He'd surely be able to help if she'd just tell him what was wrong.