Anastasia instinctively moved closer the moment another wave of camera flashes illuminated the entrance.
The constant bursts of light made her shoulders tense slightly, and before she realized it, she had already stepped behind Maxwell, using him as a shield from the countless eyes focused on the royal procession.
Her fingers lightly clutched the back of his coat.
"Anastasia..."
Maxwell scratched the back of his head with an awkward laugh.
"I told you not to call me 'Sir.' Haha..."
His smile remained as easygoing as ever.
Turning his head slightly, he glanced toward the frightened girl hiding behind him.
Anastasia immediately lowered her eyes.
She didn't let go.
To her...
Standing behind Maxwell somehow felt much safer than standing anywhere else.
Princess Stella quietly observed the two of them.
A faint smile briefly appeared in her eyes before disappearing just as quickly.
