'You are sure, you are ready to accept me as I am, knowing that I might never give you an heir?' she asked again, her tone showing her disbelief.'Is that really too hard to believe?' he asked.

'It is!' she affirmed. 'You mean, you are ready to forfeit ever having a child of your own if you marry me?'

'I am!' he replied, his voice still very firm.

'And you are saying you will not be tempted to take a mistress or a breeder for that purpose?' she asked, her eyes narrowed on him, gauging his ...