Leela walked slowly down the hallway, as if trying to avoid her destination, or at least delay it as much as possible. Her throat tightened when she found herself in front of the door. She took several deep breaths, but it only made her anxiety worse.

How was she supposed to look him in the eye? How could she stand before him and pretend nothing had happened? Or rather, pretend he hadn’t seen anything?

She covered her face with both hands and turned her head sharply, as though trying to shake off the inevitable.

“Just come in already!” came the prince’s deep, raspy voice from behind the door.

Leela inhaled...