“No?” Her tone arced high with surprise and an edge of teasing. “And what, may I inquire, brings you to this decision?” She laughed at him, arch and a little cruel, and went on, “I know you, my Duke. You’ll not cleave to me for long, so I’ll have as much as I may before that time comes. Did you wish me to be blind to you?”
Humphrey stopped and looked at her with cold grey eyes. “You know nothing,” he hissed. “You know the gossip and rumors about me and my pasttime. I thought you might be fitting for something more meaningful, have I been mistaken? If so, then you are right. I shall not cleave you for much longer.”
“People change, and you just proved you have very little faith in me, my lady. Tis disappointing indeed.” He added with sadness in his voice.
“And how else should I know you? We met, we parted, we have met again.” Her voice cracked like a whip. “You expect faith of me, who has not yet earned it? I am not one to be won with pretty gifts or sweet words alone.” Summer stepped closer, laying her hand against Humphrey’s chest, and hissed, “You may make free with my body, and this is expected, and in time you may show change, and then will you truly win my heart.”