Starved for oxygen

"Should I place it here, Your Highness?" Melody inquired, pointing towards a table.

"Yes," he replied.

"Her Highness was thankful for this book," Melody added. "I take my leave," she said, bowing to him before turning to go.

"Stay for a while," Izaak's gentle request made her pause. It was not a command, but a humble request. Melody turned to face him, finding him still seated on the recliner.

"You haven't asked me anything about my life," he observed. "I wonder if you have no questions, or if you're simply hesitant. Understanding each other better requires curiosity and conversation." 

"Asking about the past may inflict pain to His Highness. When he told me the reasons why his former wives weren't alive, the disappointment and sadness were clear in His Highness's voice. I don't wish him to get upset," Melody asserted, giving him an explanation why she didn't wish to know about his past.