Leolo couldn’t deny that Rose had a point.  She was his guest, not his subject.  He’d try to remember that and treat her appropriately.<br/><br/>Rose’s ultimatum filled Leolo with conflicting feelings.  He did find himself strongly attracted to her -- much more strongly than he’d been attracted to his former wife.  Perhaps she could be the one to finally end his unhealthy obsession with Winter’s Queen?  Perhaps that was why the mark had chosen her?  It was a tantalizing possibility.  But Leolo had desired Winter for many years, and he knew that passion’s fire wouldn’t be easily extinguished.  “I’ll stop my efforts to pursue a romance with her,” he finally conceded.  “But I cannot control what my heart feels.”<br/><br/>Dawn was coming to the garden, casting its first rays over Rose.  She looked lovely in the golden light -- beautiful enough to rival any lady in the Summer Court.  Leolo wondered how his subjects would feel about having a human in their midst.  Some were already dissatisfied with his rule.  Would this add strength to their complaints?<br/><br/>“Take all the time you need.”  Leolo remembered how good it had been between them, before he brought her here.  Maybe that affection hadn’t been entirely real -- but he missed it, and wanted to earn a genuine version.  “You’ll want for nothing while you’re in my realm.”<br/><br/>When Rose pointed at his arm, Leolo glanced down at it, startled that she could observe his light.  For a human, the young lady was certainly full of surprises.  Maybe the mark allowed her to see things hidden from most of her kind?  “You’re right.  I need to retire to my bedchamber and rest.  Would you like to remain in the garden?  Or shall I take you to your room inside the palace?”