She prayed silently that God would grant her favor with the king. To her relief, his frown changed to a smile when he turned from instructing his men and spotted her approaching. “Princess Gisela—” he dipped his head in deference “—you appear to be recovering quite well from your injuries.” “With many thanks to you,” she acknowledged with a gracious smile. “I feel as though I’m almost my old self again.” “What brings you to the training field?” “A request.” “Granted,” he assured her without hesitation. “Whatever you desire will be done. I’ve instructed Eliab and Urias to carry out any request you might make.” While John stepped away to give further training orders to his men, Gisela stood still and weighed his words. His generosity humbled her. Even as a princess in the emperor’s household she had never been treated with such regard, being a lesser noble in a household of many higher-ranking royals.
