Chapter 326: Until Next Time

Henry realized how it must have looked for both of them to disappear for such a long time in the middle of a celebration. There was no telling where they had gone and, if they looked in the suspected places, they weren't going to be found. 

He sat on the deep chair, leaning into the comfortable cushion with the princess laying on top of him, her face nestled into his neck. She had shut her eyes but she wasn't sleeping. 

She knew that she should separate herself from him soon but when she was in his arms was when she knew true peace. She relished in this world she had discovered with him where he accepted her fully and she felt like she could be free. 

"Marie," he uttered quietly.

"We should…" she understood, but didn't finish her thought. 

"I know," he responded and started standing up with her in his arms.