My throat was tight when her gaze found mine. Kisten. I knew what she meant, and he was gone. Utterly gone.

“I wanted to give myself to a man who would give himself in return,” she said, pleading for understanding when I had already given it. “Not just sharing the ecstasy our bodies could bring each other, but sharing our thoughts as well. Quen is a good man,” she said as if I would deny it. “He will instill my child with a proper frame of beliefs. I’d rather have as my husband a man of mixed birth who accepts me than a pure-blood who, deep in his soul, thinks I’m tainted.”

My hand went out, finding hers. “Ceri—”

She pulled away, apparently thinking I was going to argue with her. Nothing could be further from the truth. “Quen is as noble as any man in my father’s court,” she said hotly.

“And more honorable than Trent,” I said, cutting her argument short. “It’s a good decision.”

Relief cascaded over her, melting the tension and widening her eyes. She went to say something, then stopped. Steadying herself, she tried again, managing a high, squeaky “Would you like some more tea?”

My cup was full, and I smiled back. “Yes, thank you.”

She topped it off, and I took a sip, hearing a new understanding in the cricket-filled silence between us. I knew what it was like to seek that feeling of being wanted—though I was going to play it smart with Marshal, I was the last person to say she should have been stronger. Stronger for what? What was she saving herself for? And I knew Quen would be honest with her. He probably needed an understanding soul as much as she did.

“I saw Quen today,” I said, and her expression grew eager, telling me she loved him. “He looks good. Worried about you, I think.” God, I felt like I was in high school, but who else did Ceri have to bubble and overflow with? The woman was in love and couldn’t tell anyone.

“I’m fine,” she said, flustered.

Smiling at seeing her in such a state, I settled back with my tea. I had some time yet before I had to go. Marshal could wait. “Have you given any thought to moving closer to him?” I said. “Trent offered to put you up in his…compound.”

“I’m safe here,” she said softly, eyes lowered, telling me she had considered it.

“I wasn’t thinking about safer,” I said, laughing. “I just don’t want Quen coming over here all the time. Parking his big-ass limo at the curb. Driving in and out at all hours. Waking me up at sunrise when he beeps his horn for you to come out.”

She blushed delicately. “I’m going to stay with Keasley.”

My smile faded, and though I didn’t want her to leave, I said, “You could both go.”