Conspiracy

"Why would you say that?" Howard asked, perplexed.

Anna gently pushed back, distancing herself enough to look into Howard's eyes.

"Because I love you, Howard. You must know of my feelings. I was just too slow back then, and Catherine got to you first. I had been preparing to confess my feelings to you. I've always wanted to marry you."

Howard's face flushed slightly, but firmly grasping Anna's arms, he declared, "Anna, you know that's impossible."

Anna shook her head, tears streaming from her eyes.

"My lord Duke..." Her knight squire, too, began to cry, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

Suddenly, Anna fell to her knees, crawling forward until she reached Howard's feet, where she clung to his legs, refusing to let go.

Howard was not heartless.

His chest heaved with a tumult of emotions, a feeling unique and unsettling.

Ultimately, Howard rejected Anna's affections, granting her a week to reflect.