The claustrophobic panic of a trap halted Valentine"s breath. Hoping she didn"t notice his momentary falter, he gathered his wits and resumed their verbal joust. “Twas my own doing. I needed to know if Denys was worth my woo and what lands and estates might become mine.”
She hesitated as she weighed his answer and finally nodded.
He hid his satisfied grin behind his hand. Ah yes, self-interest and greed she saw as no fault.
“Oh, very well.” She waved her hand through the air. “I approve of your determination, so like my own.” Her voice sweetened, but still grated on his nerves. “Is it not enough your children will know they are royal, accepted by me, the queen?”
they“I have a right to know who Denys is, and be sure of our bargain,” he stated bluntly.
A spark lit her stormy gray eyes.
