His whisper, his words made her freeze. She felt it hit a part of her deep within. She knew she was loved but she wondered if her parents truly saw her for who she was and not just a daughter for marriage. She couldn't help but meet Gerrard's gaze once more as she saw the lines and contours of his face as she began to see beyond the facade he had up in the presence of others. Was he truly the roguish oaf she thought he was? His attitude now suggested otherwise.<br/><br/>She was glad but yet felt that same disappointment she'd felt when she'd had to leave Lorenso as Gerrard nodded when she asked to rest, as he slid out from under her and rolled her onto her side.  She normally would have told him that his words made her ill, but in this moment she couldn't say such a thing. His kisses didn't seem as detestable as he kissed first her forehead, then her eyes. Then that kiss to her lips....she made herself pull away.She flushed and ducked under the covers somewhat bashful.<br/><br/>"I....it is alright I...." she said, trying to speak through the sheet, her voice muffled as she tries to tell him not to worry about apologizing, but she stopped herself. Why was she forgiving his actions? Didn't she want to punch him instead?<br/><br/>She saw him step back and begin to head towards a secret entrance and his words shot through her. She knew there was no way he could have known unless he had spies, but it was as if he knew and yet didn't. She wasn't certain how to feel then, frightened. But his next words she understood. He was trying to win her love...he did not want a complacent bride, someone who went in to a marriage simply as a political arrangement. That made her heart do a bit of a spin. She did feel the same way.<br/><br/>She saw him turn to look at her, and wasn't certain she should ask him to say. He could see the conflict in her eyes. "G...Gerrard...." she started to speak. She didn't move but she didn't know why she felt like she wanted him to stay.