“What I mean to say with all of this is that it is often confused by those in other lands, but the majority of the Dellish may wish only a simple life, but they are not simple.”

True stopped unbuttoning and looked to her.

“They do not want ruby mines and saffron fields,” he shared. “They want delicious food on their tables, their wives in silk petticoats and the ability to gift her with a precious bauble on not an infrequent occasion. And when my reign is all said and done, I do not care if my entry in the Go’Doan tomes of history has one sentence. ‘King True kept the nation of Wodell peaceful and prosperous until his son wore the crown.’”

He threw a hand up and finished with a confession.

“I do not wish to be a great king, my Farah. I simply wish to do right by my people. And to do that, I must know them and what they want. Therefore, I sit with men like Bruce and Simon, and it matters not what they do or what station they have. I tell them decisions made amongst princes and kings so I can watch their reactions and know if these decisions were the right ones.”

True had barely stopped talking when she started.

“You very much love your country,” she said in a soft voice.

He was even further confused.

“Of course,” he replied.

“You do know, my prince, that if your reign is naught but peaceful and prosperous for your people, that is the very definition of a great king.”

Abruptly, as if struck with a blow to the gut, True stopped breathing and stared at his intended.

“And you do not travel safe because yours are a peaceable people,” she continued. “You travel safe because you are as loved by the people of your country as you love this green realm. And this is because you do not care the station of the man who sits at your table. It is also because you listen to them. Tonight, it was because you danced with them, even if that is not why you danced. You did that for me. And last, it is because, due to all of this, they know you will be a great king who will lead them to a time of peace and prosperity.”

By the gods, he needed to make love to her.

At the very least kiss her.

Properly.

But he could not.

That day he had only seen but a few moments of melancholy steal over her features when he knew her thoughts turned to the mother she lost. He had kept her busy in this charming village outside the Lights so her mind did not turn to maudlin things. And he felt a very real triumph in giving her that.

But even so, it still was not the time for ungentlemanly advances, even if it appeared she wished his kiss after their first dance.