Tehr was gracious and polite, but he was aware that this woman was not to be toyed with.   The knowledge burning in his mind of a new spell begged to be used, but he didn't know if he dared to use it.  Likewise taking this powerful woman as a consort, even a casual one could have long reaching and deep political implications.  Previous to this he'd bedded a few nobles, but none of a serious house, none with as much power as Joanne d'Dale.<br/><br/>"Allow me to start by saying this one thing and one thing only.  I want to be as clear as possible with what I'm about to say,"  He knew that by saying this, and stating the obvious, any devious member of court politics would automatically think that he was about to tell a lie.  "I am not now the consort of the queen, nor have I been at any point.  I did meet with her after the hunt in her private tent, but any rumors that she and I were lovers on that occasion are simply foolishness."<br/><br/>He smiled at her,  "I hope that's perfectly clear.   But, let us say now that your assumption that I'm attractive as a lover because of my closeness to the queen is now shattered to splinters.  Then is your 'offer' to . . . ahem . .  'allow' me to court you still active?"    This was the trap, and he knew that it was an obvious one to any seasoned statesman, or stateswoman.  He'd set the rules, he'd said that he wasn't the queen's lover, but of course anyone would be forced to say that even if they were.  So by stating that he wasn't, she had to decide if he was telling the truth, or being forced to lie about his status.  If she thought he was telling the truth, she'd take back her offer of courtship most likely.  But if he were lying, then she'd let the offer stand.   An obvious ploy that would tell Tehr what she thought about him.