A stab of hurt went through her and she snatched her hand from his grasp, wrapping the coverlet around her. “You consider our time together cavorting, sire?”
“Nay, you know my feelings for you go much deeper than that, Amethyst…” He waved his hand about. “But the rest of the court…they all know by now how I feel about you.”
“She sat up. “Whom have you told?”
“I've heeded your wishes and not told a soul. But when this great matter of mine is settled, I shall announce our betrothal to the world among the fanfare of trumpets, the clanging of every churchbell in the realm, the booming of a thousand cannons!”
“They know I am your close companion and confidante, sire, but do they know what goes on in the privacy of our chambers?” She drew her knees up to her chest.
“Oh, Amethyst, by now how
