It's alright, I accepted simply because I could -- [ there's a breathless elation there as she looked up and smiled again. A happiness that is carefully suppressed most often. ] -- as a woman, I am expected to be one thing, and as a King yet another, and neither of them include the right to choose for myself that which makes me happy. So in truth, I thank you, for allowing me to make such a choice, and that you think nothing of it so I might simply enjoy it for myself.

[ she caught his hand then, linking her fingers through his and squeezing it briefly before she let go and stepped back. ]

Aye, it was, and utterly miserable. We should speak of something happier.