"Oh my goodness, look at you. You're so thin. Once we get home, I'll have the kitchens prepare the finest meals for you and you'll become chubby again. Do you see Hannah?" the Queen continued.
"I'm not chubby, Mother," Hannah immediately protested.
"Marek, am I chubby?" she asked.
The crown prince instantly raised his hands as though he wanted no part in a conversation where he would be forced to choose sides, and the ladies couldn't help laughing.
Rosalind's laughter gradually faded when she noticed a figure waiting some distance away. She recognized him instantly and her heart immediately began to race. She had thought he wouldn't survive the day, yet here he was, and when their gazes met she swallowed hard.
Rowan started walking toward them and soon everyone turned in his direction.
"Your Majesty," Marek and Hannah greeted respectfully.
"You can just call me Rowan," he replied.
"That wouldn't be appropriate" Marek refused at once.
