"I couldn't help myself," she sobbed. "I didn't know what to do. I tried to blame someone. Anyone."
Henry drew in a slow breath. He saw her not as the woman who had embarrassed him before half the court, not as the mistress who had caused his mother another headache. He saw the woman who had birthed Thomas. His anger thinned.
Then, before Bella could fold into herself completely, Henry pulled her into his arms.
Her body froze. She had not expected comfort, and the shock of it left her stiff against him, her hands hovering awkwardly at her sides.
"Be calm," Henry murmured. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to ease your sorrow."
That broke her. Bella started crying again, this time into his shoulder, clutching at him.
"I'm sorry I embarrassed you, my king," she whispered.
"You miss Thomas," he said. "I miss him too. He was with us for only a short time, but he was ours."
