[ before she has the chance to say anything, he is kneeling and she is confused, even more so as he keeps speaking, the words that follow making her eyes widen; and despite his confession being dressed as an apology, despite his kind manner, she feels her heart freeze. ]

Forgive me, Your Grace, I did not mean to give offense by not using your title.

[ she bows her head, gaze lowered. ] The honour is mine, King Edmund. Please, rise. A king does not need my forgiveness. [ nor would any king she has known ask it like this, not even her brothers. ]