"I know they kissed; that Alcuin kissed him and James did not turn him away. I know Alcuin would wish for it to happen again, if it were not for you; he would never seek to come between you, that I know. But if James were to show interest, neither would Alcuin turn him away." I saw the hurt in his face and it wrung my heart to watch; my voice was thick when next I spoke, and barely above a whisper. "I am sorry. I did not think it my place to tell you, before. But I could not sit and listen to you extol the trust and loyalty of your agreement knowing it untrue."