“The princess!.. She is in distress and requested you immediately!.. I… I am not one that should be spreading rumors, but… Sir Roland, I believe she is with child…”

The moment those words left the lady-in-waiting’s lips, Roland’s heart sank. It could not be… They had been careful, taken every precaution. The lady-in-waiting must not have suspected him, otherwise, she would have gone straight to the King, rather than Roland.

“I will check on her, thank you.” He spoke softly. He hastily walked past her, hoping to put some distance between the lady-in-waiting and himself. If she noticed—even had a simple hunch—that there was a relationship between the two, not only would he most likely be exiled or executed, but Princess Anon would likely have her reputation ruined at best, disowned at worst.

The nights he’d spent with Anon were more than he ever wanted. He loved her more than anything. If she was with child… Outside of marriage… With a knight…

His heartbeat raced as he rasped against the closed oak door to the princess’ chambers.

“Princess? My lady? It is Sir Roland. May I come in?” With no answer, he shifted uncomfortably in his armor and leaned against the door.

“My princess?.. Is it true?”