Hild swallowed. To answer truly would invite shame upon her. Perhaps even from Gannicus, who had up until this point shown her nothing but acceptance and fondness. She didn't wish to test that, to see how far his understanding could stretch.

"I was told long ago that I could not have him." That was true, but also not an answer to the first question, not really. "It was my uncle, the king's doing. Tying up loose ends, so to speak. One of his lands needed a lord. That lord needed a lady. He had less use of me, but didn't want to throw me away completely."