Mary:
I feel as though I witnessed something I was not meant to see. What was that? I have never seen even the slightest hint of weakness in King Titus before. He may be powerful – even god-like – but perhaps his heart is not so invulnerable.
Perhaps we have come to rely on him too much, and the pressure is taking a much greater toll than I expected.
"Mary, why are you smiling?" Suzan asked.
Suzan's question shocked me. I realized I was smiling and covered my lips with my hand.
"Oh…" I said, averting my eyes and feeling my face heat up. "Titus said he loves me."
"Ooh, Mary." Charlotte said, hugging me and pressing her cheek against mine. "You're so precious. A maiden in love."
Normally, I might recoil from Charlotte's antics. But this time, my mind was too preoccupied with what I witnessed earlier. The memory of Titus on his hands and knees, breathing so heavily, still troubled me.
"Have you noticed anything strange about Titus lately?" I asked.
