“She smiled as she poured tea into his cup. I hope you find your rooms comfortable?Quite. He took a too-hasty sip of tea and scalded his tongue.The view is to your liking?He had a view of a brick wa...”

“It hardly mattered. She was tired of waiting for him to acknowledge who he was. Tired of donning a false mask of gaiety when she was so much morefelt so much morebeneath. No one had ever noticed he...”

“But he place a gentle palm under her chin and turned her face back to him. I'm privileged to see you like this, he said, his eyes fierce. Wear you social mask at your balls and parties and when you...”

“I'll never look at you in any way but complete admiration. He stroked her hair soothingly. You will never be a millstone about my neck. Rather you're the sunshine that brightens my day. He swallowe...”

“But you must be awash in a sea of compliments, my lady. Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. Al...”

“Shhh. He put a finger to her lips. Hear me out. I cannot deny that I would've liked to have made babies with you. A little girl with your hair and eyes would've been the delight of my life. But it ...”

“Why? he whispered as he leaned over her, supported on one arm. Why must ye be the one that haunts me dreams? Ive seen ye weepin night after bloody night since the day I sent ye from me palace with ...”

“He watched her retreat, his eyes lazy, and his body unmoving. A trickle of blood seeped slowly from the corner of his mouth. He let her get nearly out of the room before he spoke, I may not have th...”

“Will ye come with me? he whispered.And she answered without hesitation. Yes, please.”