It was easy to drop down by Anne's side. It was easy to find, once her hands were free of the book, her fingers to lace up in his own. It was the most natural thing in the world to press his lips briefly against her cheek, with no one there to watch them.

"I wanted to ask you a question."

Had, really, for some time now. Had been flirting quietly with the idea in the months she'd been adjusting to the court--and the court had been adjusting to her.

"And I want you to promise you'll-- properly consider it."