Dylanna felt her heart melt at such a claim, and it warmed her to know that. And despite having apprehensions of Ryk Handelaar at first, she was finding herself so naturally trusting him. She was, after all, giving freely of her heart, and she thought about all those years ago when she first realized she was in love with him- and tried to kill off that crush. But every time she saw him...
The same fluttering always awoken in her heart, and her heart would beat just a little bit faster. And maybe her hands would sweat a little, too.
In this moment, she simply stared at his face, taking him in for all he was worse. She could only ever truly admire him from afar, and it was here she realized how handsome he was- or perhaps, found herself refinding this fact. She cupped his cheek and gave him a small smile.
"We can take this slowly. I'm okay with that Ryk. This.. this whole thing, this relationship, it's just... It's all so new to me. I... I've never been with another man before, not even to be courted," and she felt so embarrassed to say that, but she wanted to be honest with him.
"It's another reason I kept the truth about Sam from you. I... I wasn't even sure what to do with it, and I'm just happy that no one ever questioned it. Sure, there were rumors and things spreading around, but I'm just happy it did not affect my trade. Though I think it did affect the only other chance I had at a marriage."
ANd here she gave a sheepish smile at Ryk.
"You know Lord Vinter? Well he..." and she blushed and cast her gaze down. "He had expressed interest in me. Before... before the boat ride where Samuel was conceived. I think me returning with a child had him at a loss of words. But well, not a loss of women to marry. I was only back in the city for a few months with Samuel when his engaged to Lady Turtmeyer's middle daughter, Nell."
She gave a sigh and shrug at that, before peering up at him.
"I suppose there were others, but I'm pretty good at evading men's oogling eyes."
As Ryk was more than aware of!
"I never thought to marry, to be honest. I liked the idea of livnig on my own, proving I was strong enough, had the will enough to do so."
She chuckled at this and returned her gaze again to Ryk.
"And here I find myself before you and-"
Another scream was heard at the door as Dylanna gasped, then placed a hand to her chest as she sighed with relief, hearing Samuel's giggle before she glanced over at Ryk.
"Perhaps we should conclude our time alone. I think Samuel wants our attention."