Riku's cheeks were flushed even redder than the young lady's, his embarrassment even more than hers. Not to mention the worry that accompanied it all. He and the Prince had been seen. Last time that had happened, Riku had been dragged off by soldiers and kept from the Prince for weeks.
And the Prince! He didn't even try to persuade the Lady that she saw wrong. No, he seemed to imply that she was correct in what she thought she saw. Riku was half tempted to run away and hide, except that the Prince had hold of his hand, and his arm.
Lady Timmet's hands came up to her mouth in surprise. Oh goodness! She TOLD Laurry, but he hadn't believed her.
"Especially when the company is right," Riku said, a little painfully embarrassed, but he was still trying. "It is not helped by the magic in the air, brought on by the spring."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lady Timmet said, remembering her manners. Oh wait until she told Laurry!