A kiss on the hand, he guessed with an unexpected tinge of disappointment. It brought back more memories -- the unfortunate ones that the castle left him with -- of the last time he was sworn in loyalty to something. If she knew his past, she might not be so willing to ask him now.

In fact, it showed a lot nerve that he'd get her hopes up. But he realized that he really couldn't stand leaving her with that look in her eyes, and that his lips were already pressed on her cold fingers.

When he raised his head, he seemed perplexed, wondering when his instincts had taken over while he was lost in another time. Soon after, he smiled, humility clearing his face from any sobering thoughts.

"You'll have to let me know what all that means."