Before Daphne could even consider — much less reply — Atticus had already stepped forward, protectively shielding Daphne behind his back as if Prince Nathaniel was a monster that threatened Daphne's safety.
"No," he firmly said. "You seem to be forgetting something, Prince Nathaniel. Daphne is a married woman― my wife, to be exact. Need I remind you of what happened the last time other people witnessed you both having a mere brunch together? Have you stopped to consider what might happen if this time it were a romantic boat ride?"
"There is no one else here other than us, King Atticus," Prince Nathaniel calmly replied, his arms outstretched as he looked around as if to prove his point. "Unless you count your royal healer and the head of Vramid's royal cavalry, no one else will be out to tattle."
