[i]“If he was a spy,”[/i] Nicholas answered slowly, [i]“He was in the wrong.”[/i]

Claire frowned, not ready to accept that answer. He should know that about her by now, and he must have by the way he went on. [i]“He was in the wrong, because selling information to Russia is treason. Nevertheless, I have no intentions of meddling with the military’s and the queen’s business. I have my own to take care of. And also, I have you to take care of.”[/i] Nick suddenly picked up a grape and held it out.[i]“Say ‘ah’ I’m sure you haven’t eaten lunch yet.” [/i]His wife couldn’t help but smirk, despite the troubling thoughts running through her mind.

She was hungry, though, he was right. Claire parted her lips to accept his offering, only to gasp when he quickly took the treat away. She laughed at his sudden playfulness, adjusting so she was comfortable with his head where it lay. “More? You know you’re making us look very silly out here, lying about like this,” she said, glancing side to side to see who was close enough to see the couple acting so…so [i]in love[/i] without a care of who saw it. “Besides, aren’t the roles supposed to be switched? How ill-mannered,” she commented before breaking off a smaller cluster of grapes that would fit in her hand. She ate one herself before finally giving him one, and continuing the pattern with what she’d picked up. “I hope you choke on it,” she added nonchalantly, though the corner of her lips showed she was attempting to hide a smile.

Their previous topic of conversation, however, was of even more interest to her now than before. Nick clearly could care less what she said, and he definitely didn’t believe it was her. If he did, he wouldn’t be act like- well, like a married man who was out having lunch with his wife, whom he at the very least didn’t [i]hate[/i] being around. He might even enjoy her presence a little with the way he was teasing her.

“I know it is treason, Nicholas. What Matthew is- was accused of. But [i]why[/i]. Perhaps he did it not to be on the side of Russia, and not because he thought the queen was wrong to follow either. Perhaps he was just…trying to end it. Saves lives. I’m just saying how does anyone [i]know[/i] he was doing wrong. Besides, perhaps it wasn’t his fault. What if Matthew committed treason because he was pressured into it? Felt there was no other choice?” she asked, abandoning some of her previous hesitation. If Nick thought his wife was too curious, too involved in politics, then what would come of it? It wasn’t as if there was a loving marriage that would become uncomfortable because she wasn’t limiting their conversation to the weather and the latest fashion. She had nothing to lose with Nick. He had no evidence, and they had no love.