Why did he persist in insisting that she loved him? She did not! She had never been in love and doubted she ever would be. It was not as easy as it was for Beth and Lord Carlisle, who had managed to forgive their hurts and find a way to love and live together. If she married Alexander and the reminder of her true heritage surfaced, who or what could assure her that his proclaimed love would not be deterred? The thought gnawed at her.
With Lord Cossington, there had been no knowledge, but the king was different and although she was already aware, he was a man who sat at the very peak of authority. Should the day come when he shall be asked to choose his kingly duties over his proclaimed love, what becomes of her?
"You have no idea how much I want to kiss you." Alexander suddenly broke the elongated silence, his voice dropping to a whisper.
