"Or perhaps you are only deciding how much of yourself to risk."
"Only when I can."
She laughed quietly. "Very well, Kraven. I shall leave you to your breakfast. I do not wish to keep you from the important business of eating… when there are far more interesting appetites in the room."
"Your consideration is appreciated."
"Of course it is." Her final look lingered a fraction too long. "Do try not to think too hard before you come."
With that, she turned away and directed her attention toward Olivia.
The exchange ended as naturally as it had begun, leaving no obvious indication to the wider table that anything unusual had passed between her and the Duke's son.
Breakfast continued for almost an hour after that.
To anyone watching from outside the household, it might have seemed like an unusually long breakfast. But in the presence of a king, an hour could pass without anyone giving it much thought.
