Gerald moved Diana’s hand from his face. "Lady Diana," he properly addressed her.

"Oh, come now, Gerald. We have been in close settings for some time now. My son is married and is the king. You mustn’t worry about what he would think, and I don’t intend to tell him about us. This is our little secret," Diana said, hoping Gerald wouldn’t act so guarded tonight.

Gerald couldn’t raise his head as he felt like he was betraying Cassian. He had not only served Cassian, but his father as well.

"Why did you follow my maid if you would be this way? Quite frankly, I am not in the mood to convince you to stay at my side. If you didn’t want to come here, you didn’t need to come. I have never tried to force you, and I won’t start now," Diana said, turning her back on Gerald.

Diana wished Gerald would hold her now, but it didn’t come.

Gerald finally looked at Diana, watching as she retreated to her bed. "Forgive me for spoiling your mood. I came to see that you were well after what happened with Richard Mortimer."

"You of all people know that I would be glad that he is unwell. That man has been openly courting me since my husband passed away. His time has come to die, so I can be left alone. What is with that look, Gerald?" Diana inquired, noticing his gaze. "Do you think I had a hand in it?"

"No, Milady."

"I wish I did, because it would have made me feel better. It doesn’t seem like Cassian did it either. Richard simply drank more than his body could handle. It is good I didn’t have to carry out my plans to kill him," Diana said, as she didn’t need to fear anyone suspecting her.

Gerald contemplated leaving now that he knew Diana was well. They weren’t in the estate, where he could slip in and out of her bedchamber unnoticed. The castle had far too many servants, which would make it easier for him to be spotted.

"Gerald, do I make it feel as though you have some duty to come here? Do you come because you feel I use my power to bring you here? Have I not given you the freedom to choose?" Diana asked, hating to think she forced him. "I don’t want to take advantage of you."

"You haven’t abused your power to bring me here. I come of my own accord," Gerald answered, his voice low, in fear it would be heard outside.

"Then why do you come and get my hopes up, only to leave as soon as you arrive? It took me a long time to look at anyone after my husband, so if you are going to play with my feelings, I ask that you don’t come to my chamber any more," Diana requested, not wanting to be led on.

Diana couldn’t bear the back and forth, especially at her age.

"I know you fear Cassian finding out about us, but it is not a courtship I intend to make public. We are merely enjoying ourselves. I know that you enjoy yourself," Diana said, unwilling to believe otherwise. "Do you enjoy my company?"

"I do, but this isn’t your mansion or the estate. We are in unfamiliar territory with enemies at every corner. One mistake and our meetings can reach the wrong person. Until we are out of the castle, we shouldn’t meet," Gerald advised, his eyes darting towards the door as if shadows lingered there.

"Then you must say that instead of planning to leave without a word. Here I was thinking that you had come to regret our union. I understand that the castle is dangerous, but I need someone at my side now, and you were the only choice," Diana said, her shoulders relaxing as she returned to him.

"Why did he place you to guard Lilith? Imagine my surprise when I saw you at her side after the coronation. Does she treat you well?" Diana asked, moving closer to rub Gerald’s shoulders.

"I bothered her by bringing a child to her carriage in the market, but she hasn’t treated me badly. She thinks that I am a spy for someone close to Cassian," Gerald replied.

"Nothing misses that woman’s eyes," Diana said, even more impressed by Lilith. "You mustn’t underestimate her. One wrong move and she would plot to imprison you. I fear she has a good hold over my son. Cassian thinks he is in love."

"I have never seen him so smitten with a woman in all my outings with him," said Gerald.

"It is good for him to experience love, but I only wish for Lilith’s intentions with him to be pure. You must be careful when you are at her side," Diana said, raising her right hand to rest on Gerald’s cheek. "I care for you and don’t want to see you get hurt."

"If I become an enemy of the queen, I ask that you do not try to save me," Gerald requested, thinking of Diana’s safety.

Diana’s eyes widened as she pulled her hand away. "If you are in danger, my pleas to my son can save you. Why would you turn away my help?"

"Because then it would expose what is between us. I know you wish to appear loyal to your late husband, and as a man who once followed his command, I shall respect that wish. I never want to tarnish your name or reputation, so please, leave me be if I am in danger," Gerald pleaded.

"It seems you don’t know how much I care for you, Gerald. I have not felt this way for a man since my husband. I did not think someone could stir my heart as you did. If you are facing death or being jailed, do not think that I would stand by," Diana said, placing her hand on Gerald’s chest.

Diana would not lose another man she cared for.

Diana admired the uniform he wore. "If saving you means revealing our courtship, then I have nothing to fear. I respected my late husband long enough to move on, and you are the man worth leaving it all behind for."

Diana wished that Gerald wasn’t so hesitant, but she knew it was because he respected the Mortimer family.

Diana looked up, needing just a little bit more time with him. "Can’t you stay a little longer?"

Gerald responded by leaning forward, kissing Diana as he wrapped his arms around her waist. This union might have a deadly consequence for him, but for now, he wanted to enjoy having Diana in his arms.