Loreen's POV
Lady Candice did not even make it past the first gates of the royal living quarters of the palace. They had only gone down a few flights of stairs before she started coughing.
At first it was small, like something stuck in her throat. Then it turned into a deep fit that made Loreen pause mid-step.
His hand moved slightly as if he might reach for her, but he stopped himself. Henrietta stepped closer at once, concern sharp on her face, but Candice raised a hand to stop them both.
"I am fine," Candice said, though her voice broke between breaths.
"Fine people do not cough like that," Loreen said under his breath, mostly to himself, but Henrietta heard and gave him a warning look.
Loreen almost rolled his eyes at the beta, if the situation had not been one of concern. Regardless of her age, she should have known she was in the presence of the crown prince.
"Lady, we should go back," Henrietta said gently. "This weather is not good for you."
