"Besides," Stephen added, lowering his voice, "a little secret to tip the scales in my lord's favour." His eyes glinted with mischief. "He has found it exceptionally difficult to lie with anyone else since he met you."
Livia's face warmed. "Stephen."
"My lady." He bowed, utterly shameless, winked, picked up the tray and empty cups, bowed, and left the room.
"Great," Livia muttered as Stephen left the room. "Just great. Now I am the bad guy." She sat there for a moment, staring at the empty space he had left behind, annoyed by the conversation and even more annoyed by how much of it had unsettled her. She exhaled in resignation and pressed her fingers to her brow.
At last, she got up and walked back toward her bedroom. The physician was still inside, gathering his instruments.
Livia stepped in quietly. "How is he?"
The physician looked up. "Stable, my lady. Still unconscious, but his breathing has eased. If the fever continues to fall, it should break by morning."
