Bella gave a small nod of understanding. Whatever she and the king had once been, t had settled now into companionship.
Honestly, Bella did not mind. A little part of her was relieved. She cared about Henry. She always would. There were parts of him she had seen that most people never would.
She had known him but the queen mother had never made it easy for any woman close to the king's bed.
Theodora shrunk them into corners until they either obeyed, broke, or became useful in some way she could control. Bella had lived long enough under that shadow to know that a king's affection was not always a blessing.
So yes, perhaps companionship was safer. Henry leaned down and kissed her hair.
"I'll see you later," he said. "And if you need to brush up on your French, you know where to find me."
Bella's lips curved. "Of course, Your Majesty." She curtsied.
