Chapter 123

Chapter 123

* * *

'I wonder if she's awake yet.'

Standing guard at the King's side, Leopold thought of Eliza.

Holding her, weak against morning sleep, and teasing her was one of his pleasures, but lately he had had to report for duty early.

"I hear the subjugation force has made contact with you."

"Is that so?"

The aged King seemed to need little sleep. He had summoned Leopold from the break of dawn and kept him standing at his side.

After enduring several dull, tedious hours, they had only just begun breakfast.

Tapping the top of an egg with his spoon, the King spoke slowly.

"They are the men who served under you on the battlefield?"

"They are capable men who should satisfy you. Some of them held out there longer than I did."

"Good. With that kind of record, they are worth admitting to my side."

Leopold's…