Her unexpected visitor

That evening, Freya did not wait for the king to summon her, she went to him. He rose from his throne when he saw her and the throne room grew silent as she approached and dropped into a curtsy.

“Everyone, out.” He ordered curtly.

Important men were seated all around the throne room and they cleared their throat, obviously balking at the rude dismissal. King Ardelan glanced at them in question, and they all rose, muttering their pleasantries as they filed out.

“To what do I owe this pleasant visit?” He asked her as he planted a kiss on her knuckles.

“You said you’d personally escort me the next time I had a craving to see the gardens. I figured you’d need saving from the overdrawn meetings of the day.” She said and he laughed.

“You couldn’t have been more right.” Replied King Ardelan.

She offered him her arm and he took it. There was no mention of a missing collar nor any hint of suspicion in his eyes. Did he not notice yet or was she clear of his suspicion entirely?

“How do you