Tehr took Rosalyn in his arms and hugged her, then gazing down into her eyes he whispered softly,<strong> "If I have ever done anything to make you think I'd have you anywhere but right here,"</strong>the implication being Hewthorne hall, but in his mind he meant in his arms,<strong>"Then I owe you an apology.  I count every moment in your presence a gift Rosalyn.  Your beauty steals my thoughts, and your wisdom adds to my council.  If I were to do no more than provide a safe haven for you, nothing else, it would be a trade in my favor simply to have you near me.  But the fact that we have shared so much more... I would never.... I could never send you away."</strong><br/><br/>He kissed her again, his hand caressing the back of her neck as he drew out the long slow kiss.  Then when it finally broke he released her, but stayed close to her as he said,<strong> "I am glad as well that your father is returning safely.  He is welcome here as long as he likes, even if that means that I may not hold or kiss you again.  He is a good and honorable man, and Londinium and Brittania are improved by his presence.  Would that other engagements, such as the queen, restrict me.  I would be so bold as to inquire with him about the potential advantages to joining our houses in a more permanent union."</strong><br/><br/>He sighed, because both of them knew that such a thing was not possible.  As long as Tehr was involved with the queen, something he did not regret, he could not marry anyone else.  But Rosalyn almost gave him a hint of sadness at that fact if he was going to be honest.