"Especially then." Henry said. He was still soothing her towards sleep, his fingers moving gently through her hair, when a knock came from the outer chamber.
"It is me, Tabitha," Mrs Crowe called from beyond the bedchamber. "Your Majesty?"
"Enter," he called aloud.
The outer door opened, and Tabitha stepped in, remaining politely in the outer room.
"Lord Ashcroft is here, Your Majesty," she said. "He offers his apologies for bothering you, but the matter is urgent."
"Send him in," he said. He pressed one last kiss into Livia's hair and eased himself from the bed. Only when he stood did he notice the unfortunate truth that his body had not received any official instruction to behave. His erection was still quite obvious through his nightclothes. Henry looked down.
Then he grunted. He stepped out into the outer room, adjusting himself. Lionel stepped into the outer chamber and bowed.
