“I…”  For the first time, Leolo hesitated, struggling to find the words which usually came so easily to him.  This was an area where he felt genuine shame and regret.  He’d never wanted to hurt his ex-wife.  She’d been a good person, fully worthy of a king’s heart.  But his heart had led him in another direction.  “I betrayed my old queen,” he confessed, unable to meet Rose’s gaze.  “So she cursed me.  Much of my power has been stripped away, until I possess whoever wears the symbol you’ve been marked with.”<br/><br/>Rose’s next question didn’t prove any easier to answer.  For a moment, Leolo felt tempted to lie.  However, Rose was right -- there had been too many lies already.  “In the beginning, I did plan on vanishing after I slept with you.  But then I met you and began discovering what an amazing person you are.  I felt things that weren’t just caused by the mark’s bond.  That’s why I brought you here to the Summer Court.”<br/><br/>Cautiously, Leolo reached out, attempting to wipe away one of the tears which still clung to Rose’s cheek.  “Rose...I know I’ve given you precious little reason to trust me.  But please believe this.  I could have used my glamor to seduce you and I didn’t.  I could have kept the mark’s influence a secret from you and I didn’t.  I could have taken what I wanted and I didn’t.  Because what I want has changed.”