"Should you be on your feet?" Geoffrey asked.
Bella managed a delicate smile. It was an impressive smile, considering she looked one poor breeze away from fainting. "I only wished to pay my respects to the king."
"Surely," Geoffrey said, frowning, "that could have waited until you were well enough."
Livia's eyes widened as she glanced at Bella.
Oh.
Oh, the little devil.
Bella had not dragged herself from bed merely to greet Henry. She had dragged herself here so the king would have to see her.
"You witch…" Livia muttered quietly, so only Bella could hear her.
Bella's smile faded as her strength wavered, and Livia tightened her arm around her waist at once. Bella was too light against her. Too stubborn for a body that clearly wanted nothing more than to collapse into a bed.
Across the chamber, Henry had not moved since rising. His gaze was fixed on them. His hands curled at his sides.
"Leave us!" he thundered. "Everyone," He barked. "Now."
