Julian
I stared at the garden path and willed my voice into something resembling normal. "I haven't thought about it yet, but I'll give it some consideration," I managed through my lust-ladened brain.
She shrugged. "Alright. Well, once I sign the contract with Nevan, that becomes my plan B. Financial independence and a clean separation. I have to hope he keeps his word."
She straightened from the railing and stretched, rolling her shoulders. "I haven't had breakfast or lunch yet. I'm starving, and I'm going to eat. Can you tell the Queen for me? And thank her for her warmth."
I opened my mouth to tell her that etiquette required she wait for the Queen to return before taking her leave. Then I closed it. If she stayed one more minute, I was going to do something catastrophically stupid. I was one ill-timed glance away from crossing the pavilion, taking her face in my hands, and kissing a married woman in her husband's garden.
"Go," I said. "I'll explain to Lysandra."
