It was then she thought of Hope. Already he was growing up in the confines of the palace, wet nurses and maids. Everything he could have ever wanted or wished for was his. While he wasn't officially the Grand Duke's son, he was a special child and she pressed her hands to her abdomen again before turning to the side to look across the room, golden eyes taking in the splendor.
She'd been in here many times.
"I do," she said, if she didn't... Who else was there? Maybe Medina could be a positive influence. "I'm already here. I'm intelligent. I'm well read. I'm not a noble viper like some of the women here, but I suppose I could learn that trait as they do. I'd rather it be me at your side than... Someone with machinations. You know me, my deepest secrets." Medina paused and laced her fingers together and held them down in front of her while she thought of what else to say.
"Hopefully, even if you can't love me, you can trust me." Medina made a face then, like she was slightly pained, "Please tell me you can at least trust me and that I can trust you, Calent."