He had never hesitated to flaunt them, but now he resented even the mention. None of those memories were good ones, and most were outright painful. He turned as she spoke so agreeably, chuckling under his breath. “Would you? I would like to be there for that conversation. I gather he likes being told what to do about as much as you do.”
He had little room to talk, but that had never stood in his way. She didn’t fall far behind, because he stopped to watch her, quiet for the moment. It was always strange to see her doing something that was so distinctly feminine in nature. So far, nothing was different. But then they had a ways to go before they were beyond the border. Even there, however, nothing would be extraordinary. More stone paths, fountains and benches.
“I suspect that was all it was. Or a petty display of power.” It was a slip, even with the easy tone of voice he maintained. He didn’t think much of the monarchy these days. Or maybe that was just his way of coping with what he’d felt he had to do. “She could have solitude anywhere she liked. All she had to do was tell her guards she desired it. But I suppose that is unkind of me. If I were expected to spend my life here, I would want places of my own as well. Thankfully, neither of us will have to stay here forever.”