Chapter 44

When Adele came into the dining room for breakfast, Christine was already there, waiting for her. Since he had duty right after the meal, he was dressed in the Imperial Guard's uniform.

"Good morning, Chris."

Adele went to him and kissed his cheek softly.

"Good morning, Adele."

Christine returned the kiss on her cheek.

Henry watched the two of them with a pleased look and told the servants to bring in breakfast.

Mornings at the Marble Palace were peaceful as ever, and though it was the dead of winter, the room caught plenty of sun, so the fireplace's warmth alone was enough to keep it cozy.

But Adele sensed that Christine's expression was different from usual.

"You look like you have something to say, Chris."

"I'd say you're the one with more to say than me."

His eyes, before she quite knew it, had taken on a look that seemed…