Julian settled into a chair without the slightest hesitation, a faintly mysterious smile playing on his lips as he watched the maids attend to Lina. He seemed perfectly content to wait while they combed her hair and helped her change clothes, as though this were an entirely ordinary part of his day. In fact, it suited the role he had apparently imagined for himself as the Queen's lover.
Although the rain had temporarily stopped, the weather remained cold, so Lina was dressed warmly. Changing clothes was hardly an elaborate affair. The maids merely removed her outer gown and replaced it with something looser and more comfortable. Nevertheless, knowing that Julian was watching her with undisguised admiration made her feel uncomfortable.
