At that moment, the atmosphere was as stiff as the stone statues in the Kensington Palace Garden, and no one moved first.
Victoria's gaze quietly shifted from the envelope to her mother, then to Conroy, and finally fixed steadily on Arthur.
As for Arthur, he remained standing between her and Conroy the entire time.
Conroy's mouth twitched, and a hint of impatience flashed across his once poised face.
He lowered his head, seemingly trying hard to restrain himself, and only after a moment did he speak again: "Sir Arthur, it is now Her Royal Highness the Princess's class time."
Conroy controlled his tone, trying to maintain it at the edge of politeness: "Since Her Highness is currently receiving instruction, even if it's to deliver a letter from His Majesty the King, shouldn't we wait until Her Highness's lessons are over and have the Duchess, or myself, accompany her to handle it more appropriately?"
