Gavin made sure that they were alone. Any and all guards, servants or Ritter Hex were sent from his rooms. Moving to Honore's chair, he knelt in front of her and took her hands. It hurt him to see the woman who had so warmly accepted him just that morning be so cold and distant now.<br/><br/>"Honore," he said softly, "I am not accusing you or your sister of this. And once the real perso who is behind this plot is found, no one will hate you. You and your sister brought this to our attention, and that shows goodness." He kissed her fingers. "You even tried to help my father. When word gets out about that, you'll see that my people will warm up to you."<br/><br/>He turned her hands over, kissing her palms. "I don't want you to leave. I was serious this morning about wanting to marry you, and I am still serious about it." He took her hand, holding it over the braid. "My people will grow to love you as I do. And you're doing so wonderfully with Diane. It's good for her to have a friend. I know she will adore you as much as I do."<br/><br/>**********************<br/><br/>Diane shivered as Nicole placed a kiss on top of her mound. The reaction was automatic and she felt her nipples harden. "I think I'll have to remember that, the servant's prayer," she said, a bit breathless. The ribbon was already rubbing against her, making her feel pleasently aroused.<br/><br/>She took the cup of wine and quickly drank it down. She felt so good, her mind continuously going to the lessons from Honore to her dreams of the future. She let Nicole dress her, but kept the first few buttons of her dress undone. It wasn't as low cut as Honore's, but there was an extra inch of skin showing. To Diane, it was the first step in being sensual.<br/><br/>"You're mistress is a wordly woman," Diane said. "She knows the best way to a man's heart. You must have picked up something from her? Any advice before I go offer myself to the wolves?"