"I didn't lie to you, Your Highness," Richard said.
Henry's eyes sharpened.
Richard swallowed, knowing how pathetic the distinction would sound before he even finished making it. "I didn't. I just… kept her from you."
A bitter laugh escaped Henry. "Why?"
Richard had prepared for this. Or thought he had. On the road to Whitehall, he had rehearsed explanations, apologies, arguments. He had told himself Diana had deserved the chance to choose before Henry's crown thundered into her life and crushed every honest feeling beneath awe.
But now, standing before Henry, all those careful defences turned to ash.
"Because…" Richard's throat tightened. "Because I love her."
The look on Henry's face turned dangerous. Richard forced himself to keep going. If he stopped now, he would never find courage again. "And I am going to marry her."
Henry rose, his fury gathering. "You must be out of your fucking mind."
Richard held his ground.
