““When he came at her suddenly, flattened her against the wall, and tried to kiss her, she no longer had any doubt. He had surprised her, but the wine addling his brains made her work easy. You don’t want to kiss me. Nash stopped trying to kiss her but continued to press himself against her, groping her breasts and her back. Hurting her arm. “I’m in love with you,” he said, breathing sour air into her face. “I want to marry you.” You don’t want to marry me. You don’t even want to touch me. You want to release me. Nash stepped back from her and she pushed herself away, gulping fresh air, smoothing her clothing. She turned to make her escape. Then she swung back at him and did a thing she never did. Apologize to me, she thought to him fiercely. I’ve had enough of this. Apologize. Instantly the king kneeled at her feet, gracious, gentlemanly, black eyes swimming with penitence. “Forgive me, Lady, for my insult to your person. Go safely to your bed.””
