Something in Alexander's eyes flickered. He pushed himself away from the table. "Guinevere…"
Gwen held up her hand, staying his words. Surprisingly, he waited. She sobbed silently and sniffled. "I have tried to live far from the gossip, pretending as though I were ignorant, but it is difficult to, when it is all around me?" She paused. "They accuse me of being your mistress." The stubborn tears flowed without restraint now "And the mistress of the prince!"
"What?" He exclaimed.
"Who is to know how many other men I have been accused of being with?"
"Farrington." He muttered under his breath.
"It is not her doing. It is yours." Her breath shuddered. "How now can I ever defend myself against their lies when their very words have been proven true?" She looked down, swiping at the annoying tear. "I want to return to Westside Manor."
There was hesitation. "I cannot allow that."
"Then send me away from the castle."
"I will never."
