Henry's eyes narrowed. "I did not mean love her like that."
"I would hope not."
"And I did not banish Richard. I made him Duke of Kingsmere then ambassador extraordinary to the French court. How is royal appointment exile?"
"When it places a man across the sea from the woman he wished to marry."
For a moment, they stood together in silence.
"Any word from the Italians?"
"Not yet," Lionel said. "But there will be."
"And do you expect that answer before I return from France?"
"I believe it will arrive while you are away."
Henry nodded slowly. The music swelled, and Livia spun again, her head tipped back in laughter. This was what she wanted.
Choice, laughter, air. This was what freedom meant to her and he had been the asshole to take it away from her.
*****
The next morning, Bella arrived with gossip. She entered Livia's apartments in a pale gown, her hair pinned, and her eyes bright.
