She nodded; his touch was causing her breathing to become labored and heavy. “Per… perhaps we should make a list.”
He looked thoughtful. “Very well,” his brow furrowed as he pondered what that list might entail. “I suppose my list would start with the request that where I go, you go. I would have you with me always.”
She looked rather distressed but didn’t argue. “That is more than likely fair,” she replied, thinking of The House of Hope and all of those who depended on her. She didn’t want to leave it. “We cannot get to know each other if I am here and you are in London.”
“True.”
“I have something for the list.”
“What?”
“That you cease your empty flattery.”
He looked shocked. “Empty flattery?”
“Aye,” she nodded quickly to explain herself. “Your flattery is far too practiced to be sincere. I would wager to say that you use it quite often.”
He was about to argue with her but couldn’t. “From this moment forward, I will not use it on anyone but you.”
“I do not want to hear a word of it unless you mean it.”
“God’s Blood, woman, I mean every word when I speak of you. Are you serious?”
“Of course I am,” she insisted. “I never say anything I do not mean.”
Still holding her hand, he scratched his chin with his other hand, eyeing her. “I want to add something more to the list.”
“Very well. What is it?”
“That we do not discuss or debate our political views for the next thirty days. Let us get to know one another before we allow that undoubtedly contentious intrusion.”
Her light mood was fading, growing deep. “I was wondering when the subject was going to rear its ugly head.”
He grunted. “I am afraid we cannot ignore it. But I would ask that we not discuss it until we come to know one another better. I fear any discussion of politics by either of us will kill whatever chance we may have of an amicable union.”
She took a deep breath, thought on his words, and nodded shortly. “Very well,” she agreed. “No discussion of kings, wars or politics. But how are we going to manage that feat given that you are the king’s champion?
“I can keep quiet on the subject if you can.”
“I will do my very best.”
His smile was returning as was the warmth in his eyes. “Good,” he was back to caressing her hand. “Do you have anything else to add to the list?”
She thought a moment, watching his fingers as they stroked her skin. She cocked her head slightly, suddenly looking mildly uncomfortable. He saw her expression.
“What is it?” he asked gently.
She grunted reluctantly. “I… well, I am not….”
“I have something more to add to the list.”
She looked surprised. “What?”
“Complete honesty and truth, always. When I ask a question, I would like the courtesy of an honest answer.”
She gazed steadily into his hazel eyes. “As would I.”
“I swear it upon my oath.”
