Violet: Trust Me

Ilse leaned forward to press her forehead to the prince's chest as she blew out a shuddering breath. Laughing quietly, Leo stroked her back in a manner that almost appeared tender to Violet's shocked eyes.

"Is it as pleasurable for everyone else?" Ilse rasped. Her frame continued to tremble in the prince's embrace as she pushed down her bunched skirts.

"That was only the beginning of it." Leo said. "You can stay here a little longer, can't you? I can show you the rest."

"Maybe a little longer." Ilse looked up and Violet wanted to slap the silly, dreamy expression off her face. "But I'll need to get ready for attending Her Majesty at dinner."

"My mother has a dozen ladies to wait on her. Surely she can do without your company for one night, can't she?"

Ilse shook her head gently. "I genuinely like Her Majesty's company and she has been melancholy. I think it's because her health has not been the best. I don't mind being at her side at all."