IGNATIUS KEPT A DISCREET WATCH over the Royal couple while they chatted with courtiers. It was one of the rare occasions that they had eaten in the Great Hall, and they appeared to be making the most of the evening. A delicate touch to his arm caused him to glance down. The Lady Roscel gazed up and met his eyes with a mischievous lilt to her lips. 'My lady?'

It wasn't until she gave him a coy glance that he noticed and he reached out to catch her chin, tipping it up. Roscel ...