"Senna, stop," Derek said, his voice gentle. "There is no need for formalities between us. You lost your home because of me. It was my fault an enemy attacked you. I am protecting you. It is not a burden. It is my duty."
She saw the softness, and she mistook it for an opening. This was her chance. She rushed to speak, her eyes cast down shyly, as if she were confessing a secret she could no longer hold. "It's nothing," she whispered. "I would lose a thousand homes for you, Your Grace. You know that. You know… you know my feelings for you still remain. They always will." She looked up, her gaze a liquid, loving plea.
Derek sighed. The smile, the kind one, stayed on his face, but his eyes grew tired. He was fond of her, truly. But this was a dance he was weary of.
