[He looks at her for a second, considering whether to tell her the truth about how he felt when he was finally free of his cardinal robes. He wonders if it will frighten her away.]

I felt liberated. I did not do well in skirts.

[To say that he loathed them would not be an understatement, though he refrains from mentioning that for the moment. It is poor to insult a world that grants you power and will give you even more soon enough.]

If the claim lies with you, then he is yours. You are not his. I would suggest you negotiate, and if he does not meet your requirements, you find someone better and more fitting.