It was just before midday when I caught up with Sebastian again. Luke may have been covering Sebastian's work, but that had not stopped Sebastian venturing back to the stables.

The four young men were sitting on hay bales and engaged in conversation with Sebastian when I stepped into the stalls. When they realised I was there, all of them except Sebastian stood to attention and offered a courteous bow.

"Please, don't get up," I ventured but I was too late. "I would just like a word with Sebastian, if he can be spared?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Sebastian replied, and we departed the stable area, walking around a nearby corner and out of sight.

"You have not told them yet, then?" I observed, noting the formal way he addressed me in their presence.

Sebastian shook his head.

"Have you considered telling them?" I suggested. "Are you ready for that?"

"I have considered it," he said. "And I will tell them. It will be public knowledge soon anyway. But I would like Annabelle to be the first to know."

"It is lunchtime shortly," I observed, knowing they frequently ate together. "Would you like us to tell her now? I can join you if you like?"

Sebastian inhaled deeply and nodded.

"Now is perfect," he replied, and we walked towards the kitchens.

"How did you find my mother?" I asked as we walked.

"She is most charming," Sebastian replied, smiling. It was difficult not to like my mother. "And more accommodating than I anticipated. She is planning for me to join your family for dinner soon."

That sounded like mother.

"Your father seemed less enthusiastic," Sebastian noted.

"He just does not understand us yet," I sighed. "But I am hopeful that he will, given time."

We could see Annabelle walking in the direction of the kitchen for lunch and adjusted our course so that we would intercept her. Once we were within hearing range, Sebastian called her over. She curtseyed politely when she reached us, and I winced internally at the formality, but nodded in greeting.

"Annabelle," said Sebastian. "I have news. I must tell you that it has been necessary to disclose details of my illegitimate affair to the King and Queen."

Annabelle's face fell, and I could see in her expression that she felt partly responsible for revealing the details that she knew about to me.

"Illegitimate? Oh, Sebastian." It seemed she had not realised the criminal nature of Sebastian's activities. She turned to look at me accusingly. "So, after everything that has happened, you intend to arrest Sebastian?"

"No," I smiled at her. "I intend to marry Sebastian."

"Excuse me?" she squeaked. The shock on her face was evident.

"Richard is my lover, Annabelle," Sebastian clarified. "I wanted to tell you before you found out from another."

Annabelle looked to Sebastian and then back to me.

"You are Sebastian's lover?" she asked slowly.

"It is true," I acknowledged. "I am the lover you informed me about when Sebastian lay poisoned."

"You told him I had a lover?" Sebastian asked Annabelle disbelievingly.

"I fail to see why this causes you consternation," I said to Sebastian before Annabelle could answer. "I already knew exactly what was going on in your private life."

"But Annabelle did not know that," Sebastian protested.

"Annabelle was trying to help me understand possible reasons why someone may have wanted you dead," I pointed out.

"Whose side are you on here?" asked Sebastian bitterly.

"Annabelle's. Clearly." I smirked at his little tantrum. He was cute.

"Are the two of you always like this?" Annabelle interjected.

"Yes," I answered her at the same time that Sebastian said, "No."

Annabelle rolled her eyes.

"Goodness me, you act as though you are married already," she commented. "But I do not understand? I thought ... I mean, I know you said your relationship was complicated Sebastian, and I certainly do not disagree. But, with respect, how can you possibly get married?"

"Richard was rather persuasive with his father," said Sebastian politely.

"I tricked him," I clarified.

"The King thought I was female when he agreed to it," Sebastian added.

"Oh," said the girl. "Well, I am shocked, of course, but pleased you have both managed to find happiness." The sentiment appeared to be genuine, for which I was pleased. Perhaps others would be happy for us too.

"Thank you, Annabelle," said Sebastian. "I would actually like to ask you for your assistance. Would you be kind enough to be my Maid of Honour when the time comes?"

Annabelle looked at me, as if asking silently if I was comfortable with this proposal. A kitchen girl being a Maid of Honour at a royal wedding was a little odd. But I was nothing if not unconventional.

"I would like that too," I smiled. "You were an ally when I needed one. And besides, I want to do whatever lies within my power to make Sebastian happy."

"I would be greatly honoured," she beamed.

"Perfect," I nodded at her. "I, too, have a favour to ask of you. I know that your normal routine involves lunch with Sebastian, but I was hoping I might steal him today. We have much to organise."

"Of course," she curtseyed unnecessarily, but at least she had ceased with the verbal formalities.

We parted ways and I started walking with Sebastian, with the intention that he join me for lunch in our dining room today.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him. "Do you feel like eating?"

"I do," replied Sebastian. "I feel much better than I did."

Once we were seated and food was on its way, I fondly remembered how we had sat here the first time we met. So much had changed since then.

Sebastian smiled across at me as Williams left us with our food.

"I cannot believe you did it," he said, starting to eat. "That we can be married. It does not quite seem real yet."

"Agreed," I said, taking a mouthful of my own.

"So where do we go from here?" asked Sebastian. "Do we wait for Katherine to reveal us, or should we make an announcement?"

"Ideally we need to be the ones releasing this information, not Katherine," I replied. "If you are agreeable, I think we ought to inform your parents and the castle residents and staff first, and then make a public announcement. Then after the trial I suggest we visit the nearby towns and villages and make ourselves visible. We should talk to the people on a more personal level."

"To what end?" asked Sebastian.

"In my experience, most people have an inherent desire for conformity," I explained. "Therefore, when they are in a crowd, people tend to have less confidence to express their views if surrounded by those with differing opinions. I suspect there are very few people that would say openly in a crowd that they disagree with the law. By allowing people to approach us as individuals or in smaller groups, we eliminate conformity issues, and I suspect that we will find people are more willing to express their personal opinions. This way, we may find people that would support a change in the law." I paused and took a mouthful of food. "Of course, we may not, but I think it is worth trying."

"That sounds like it will require a large time investment from both of us," Sebastian commented as he continued to eat. "There are many people to talk to."

"Such a drastic change will require much time and effort," I agreed, nodding. "If we are to pursue this, I aim to give it the full attention it deserves. I will, of course, be attempting to juggle this with my treasury role, and I still intend to help my father with trade negotiations as usual."

"It is a lot for both of us to take on," said Sebastian, warily. "I will endeavour to make it work around my job. Speaking of which, I suspect I should be able to return to work next week."

I was slightly taken aback. I did not expect him to return to being my squire. It seemed entirely inappropriate to be married to somebody who was working for me in that capacity, especially since Luke was doing such a good job.

"Sebastian, I was thinking of asking Luke to continue working in his current capacity on a more permanent basis," I started.

My fiancé looked up from his food.

"You will not be giving me my job back?" he asked with eyebrows raised.

"I had no plans to," I said. "Once news of our marriage is public, I will need you to be visible a great deal if we are to attempt any change in the law. The public will be curious. Being open and approachable is more likely to ensure they are supportive of us. Which means that there will also be many engagements where I am likely to request your presence. I hope that works for you?"

"Of course," said Sebastian. "But once people become accustomed to the idea of us being together, I would still like to earn my keep."

"You will," I assured him. "I know we will find a role that is right for you. In the meantime, however, once the public adapt to our relationship, my time will still be limited as I take care of my other responsibilities. Which means I need someone to take the lead in another project. I hope you will do it, Sebastian, because I do not want this task to be in the hands of anyone else. Least of all my father."

"What is it you are requesting of me?" asked Sebastian.

"A new vacancy I hope you might apply for," I answered, smiling. "I have recently found myself in need of a wedding planner."

As Sebastian relaxed and grinned his agreement, I knew this wedding would be in capable hands.