**
Chapter 53.
~Katrina~
It felt strange to hear a knock on the door this late. Marissa and I were still talking when it happened. At first, I thought about ignoring it, but something inside me said not to.
Marissa looked at me, and I gave a small nod. She stood and walked over to the door.
And then—there he was.
King Karl.
My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't speak. I quickly grabbed my robe and slipped it on, my heart pounding in my chest. He and Marissa exchanged a few words, but I couldn't hear what they were saying.
Then Marissa turned to me, her face lit up. "The king wants to see you, my lady."
I froze. A part of me wanted to say no. Why wasn't he with Queen Fortuna? Why now?
Still, I walked to the door slowly. He looked at me for a long moment, saying nothing.
"Greetings, Your Highness," I whispered and curtsied.
"Are you busy?" he asked softly. His voice was calm, but I could see something in his eyes.
