He wouldn’t know how much he’d hurt her. He couldn’t know, she thought as the tears she’d held off throughout the night began to fall. Because he would never know how strong her feelings were for him, and how hopeless.

She had chosen her path, Hannah reminded herself, and she would live with it. In a matter of days it would no longer cross his.

He would be safe. His family would be safe. And she would be gone.

He found her sitting on the bench, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her eyes closed and her face wet with tears. So many feelings tumbled into him that he couldn’t separate them. Regret, confusion, love, guilt.

She’d want to be left alone. He thought he understood her that well. There was still enough bitterness in him to want to leave her alone. He could no more have left her there than he could have left a wounded dog on the side of the road.

As he went closer, Hannah sprang up from the bench. He saw the shock and humiliation run across her face. For a moment, he thought she would turn and run. But she held her ground.

“I thought I was alone.” Her voice was cold as she fought anger and embarrassment.

He took out a handkerchief and offered it. At the moment it was the only comfort he could give, or she accept. “I’m sorry I disturbed you.” His voice was as stiff as hers. “I think we need to talk.”

“Haven’t we?” She dried her face then crumpled the linen in her hands.

“Would you like to sit?”

“No, thank you.”

He slipped his hands into his pockets. She hadn’t slept, he thought as he saw the shadows under her eyes. Neither had he. So perhaps there they were even. “I spoke with my father this morning. You’ve met with Deboque already today.”

She started to cut him off, but relented. The garden was as secure as the palace—for the moment. “I don’t report to you on those matters, Your Highness.”

Temper narrowed his eyes and balled his hands into fists, but he spoke evenly. “No, but I’m now fully aware of the situation. I read your files.”

Her breath came out on a huff of air. Was nothing she was or had done hers alone any longer? “Very well then, your questions have been answered, your curiosity satisfied. You know everything there is to know about me—I hope you were entertained.”

“I didn’t read it to be entertained,” he tossed back. “Dammit, Hannah, I have a right to know.”

“You have no rights where I’m concerned. I’m neither servant or subject.”

“You’re the woman I took to bed last night.”

“That’s best forgotten. Don’t.” Her body went rigid as he started forward. “Don’t you ever touch me again.”