Her smile stayed fond, being careful not to betray that she knew any of this already. But then she lowered her voice, conspiratorially as she spoke. "I am afraid I am just as in the dark. I was not raised in the castle, as they felt it was not a safe environment, so I have not a clue. I'm sure we can muddle through together." The best lies had a kernel of truth but her heart hurt all the same and she said a silent prayer of forgiveness.

As much as she tried, Charlotte's eyes flinched slightly when Will mentioned his being wanted for murder. It was one of the reasons Charlotte had allowed herself to marry him besides the selfish. Being married to a princess would afford him some protection. But it was all forgotten as he called her Charlotte and her smile was nothing but beaming. "It is my pleasure and honor to call you Will. But I still apologize. For what it is worth, you are handling all of this far better I would would our situations be reversed."