She could hardly believe what would have happened to her without the boy before her, even though she had gradually realized that he, too, was part of the scheme against her.
"You needn't be so grateful, my lady," Suleiman said softly. "This is what you deserve."
Suleiman knew that the woman before him already knew everything. After all, he had made it far too obvious. Yet she had still chosen to submit.
"This is your reward, my lady," Suleiman said, his words carrying an unclear meaning. But Lady Lorna understood: it was the reward for offering him everything.
But she no longer cared. Lady Lorna's cheeks flushed with excitement as she looked at Suleiman, took his hand, and pressed it to her chest. Her eyes were filled with reliance and submission. "May I take this as your acceptance of my proposal?"
Suleiman's body stiffened slightly at those last words. He looked at Lady Lorna's tear-streaked face, filled with sorrow and a sense of fragility, but did not reply.
He went over to the food he had set aside, brought it over, and held the bowl of porridge before her.
"Eat something, my lady. Your maid said you haven't eaten in a long time." Lady Lorna obediently nodded, picked up a spoon, and drank the porridge in small sips, her eyes never leaving Suleiman.
Suleiman knelt on one knee before her, lifted her foot, and gently tended to her injury.
"My lady," Suleiman said slowly as he carefully treated the wound on her foot, "I need you to do me a favor."
Lady Lorna immediately set down her empty bowl and looked at him earnestly.
But Suleiman did not continue. His fingertips continued to brush gently over her foot.
"Please give your orders, Lord Suleiman." When Suleiman remained silent, Lady Lorna