Livia looked up.
"Far be it from me to blame you for a habit the King had perfected long before you entered his life. His Majesty has been slipping out of Whitehall for years."
"He has?"
"Oh, yes." Stephen poured himself tea. "Usually in plain clothes. Sometimes with Lionel. It has been a source of great terror for everyone responsible for his safety."
She thought of the day they had first met near Cheapside Market.
"I think the throne crushes him, my lady. And every now and then, he tries to breathe outside its shadow."
"You seem very close with the King."
Stephen smiled warmly. It softened his whole face, that smile. He had a surprisingly kind face when he allowed it to show. "Not to brag...but His Majesty has once called me his friend."
Livia arched a brow.
Stephen's smile widened a little. "A man must treasure the honours he receives, my lady."
"And are you his friend?"
The question seemed simple, but Stephen treated it with more care than she expected.
