Staring at the ceiling, her hand caressed the back of his head.
"Your Highness, do you know? I have a secret. In fact, I have many, many secrets. Some of them, I only learned recently, others I have kept hidden almost my entire life.
"Your Highness, will you hate me if you learn I deceived you? I am scared. Scared that you will despise me. Even though I know we will part ways when the time comes, the mere thought of your disgust or resentment makes my heart ache.
"That is why tonight I wanted to tell you one of my secrets. Better you hear it directly from me, rather than hear it from another person… but it seems like time is not on my side. You are not in a situation to understand or listen to the words I want to say.
"Your Highness, can I cheat? I know you can't hear me, but shall I say it? Shall I tell you my greatest secret?"
The silence of the chamber made her feel emboldened. A small smile graced her lips as she stroked his head.
