I cleared my throat, fighting a sudden constriction. “How can you even ask me that? I have seen enough bloodshed, feuds, and petty fighting to fill three lifetimes. While I was queen, I was kidnapped and almost killed twice. You know the dangers I faced better than anyone.”
“But the people are crying out for a strong ruler. These letters”—Lancelot tapped his index finger on the pile, as if trying to illustrate his point—“tell us that. They have no love for people who march into their lands with hordes of soldiers and declare themselves rulers, be they Saxon or Briton. You would have no need to do such a thing. You earned their trust long ago.”
I fled to the open window with its tranquil view of the river. I breathed in deeply, desperate to be physically away from him and the argument he
