Karl let out a deep, weary sigh, the sound filled with self-loathing and belated remorse. He slowly lowered his head, his forehead resting lightly against the fragrant crown of the princess's hair, his voice hoarse and low, thick with self-mockery:
"The one who should say sorry... is me."
The princess shook her head lightly against his neck, and more tears spilled out. "No... I was too..."
"No, Louise." Karl interrupted her, calling her name for the first time without any title or honorific, his tone heavy. "I broke the agreement. I... lost my sense of propriety and nearly made a grave mistake."
"Agreement?" The princess lifted her head slightly, her tear-blurred eyes filled with confusion. She loosened her arms from around him and pulled back a little so she could see his expression. "Did you and I... have some agreement?"
She thought he was referring to etiquette between nobles, or some tacit understanding.
Karl gave a bitter smile, his gaze drifting, as though looking toward some distant place, or perhaps merely staring at a point in empty air.
He did not answer at once. He seemed to be weighing his words, or gathering courage, preparing to touch a secret he had always buried deep in his heart, yet now, because of his loss of control just now, had no choice but to face.
"Not with you," he finally said, his voice very soft, yet like a stone tossed into a calm lake, it sent ripples through the princess's heart. "With myself... no, with another girl. A girl I love."
The princess's body stiffened almost imperceptibly. Her encircling arms loosened completely, and she only looked at him in silence.
Karl did not look at her, as if he had sunk into his own memories and repentance. "I once promised her... I