He was right. Damn him, he was right. Slowly, she rose to her feet, gathering what remained of her dignity around her.
"I am not leaving this place without Tabitha."
"And what gives you the impression I want you to?" Henry asked.
"I told you," she said. "The Queen Dowager—"
Henry rose. One moment he was seated; the next he was all height and authority. He crossed the space between them until they stood toe to toe, so close that Livia had to tilt her chin to keep his gaze. "My mother has always arranged who entered and left my bed...Until you."
"But she—"
"I gave her that authority. Do not misunderstand me, Livia. My mother rules what I permit her to rule. She interferes where I have allowed interference. She chooses women where I have never cared enough to choose for myself." Henry's eyes remained fixed on hers. "But you...You were different from the beginning. I chose to damn the consequences and have you, no matter what it cost."
