My heart aches for her. I want to cradle her in my arms, comfort her, take from her the burden she is carrying. Yet, I cannot. She is our Queen. It is her duty.

When we arrive in her rooms I must steel myself to what will come next. She disrobes with no thought and enters the water. I turn as quickly as I am able to watch the door. I ache to take her in my arms and show her the love I have for her. It cannot be.

I have time to think now. I know that I must leave her side for a time. I have spent my life learning, yet, it seems there is much more I must learn. In addition, I do not think I can bear to watch her with Aonghais. Theirs is a union that is proper and would be good for not only them, but the Catuvellauni as well.

I watch her obliquely since it seems she is falling asleep in the bath when there is a knock at her door. I growl, low voiced and discover that Miranda is needed again. I explain her exhaustion, that she needs rest and sleep, yet it is duty that calls, the most harsh taskmaster of all.

Reluctantly I try to wake her, and she resists. It is causing me physical pain to fight my instincts, yet I too am bound by duty. Gently I lift her from the water and wrap her in cloth to dry. She is so small, I must be careful not to hurt her accidentally.

I retire to the outside of her door to await the trip we will take to the meeting hall. It may be my last for some time to come.