Yes

"I would take that honor upon myself, if you will allow me," you say to her.

Alayna's eyes narrow slightly. "It is not necessary, King Xavier. You have shown me sufficient personal attention already."

"Queen Alayna, as we have agreed to be straightforward with each other, allow me to say quite plainly that I do not make this offer because I am trying to get you alone in your bedchamber. Before I became King, I had neither servants nor guards to see to the comfort of my guests, and even though I have people to do these things now I still prefer to extend personal hospitality to those who spend the night in my home. I wish only to walk you to your rooms, where I shall bid you good-night in the hallway and then depart."

Alayna considers for a moment, and then nods slightly. "In that case, I permit you, King Xavier."

She takes your arm, and together you make your way towards the stairs which lead up from the hall to the residential part of the castle. Sir Benedicht slips in quietly behind you, as does one of Alayna's guards. You make your way in silence through the corridor, and then to the tower steps, finally coming to the large oak door which leads to the three-room royal guest suite.

"Here is where I will take my leave, Alayna," you say to her. "I fear that there will be no servants awaiting within, as we did not expect you to retire this early, but I will see to it that a chambermaid is dispatched immediately to attend to any needs you may have. If there is anything more I can do for you, you need only ask."

"I ask only that Sir Calloway be informed upon his return that I have retired."

"So be it. Also, I do not normally ask that my guests arise at an early hour, but I suggest that we should meet at the seven o'clock bell on the morrow and break our fast in my parlor, so that we may discuss the matters which have brought you to Elyssia. I gather there is a degree of urgency, and what with festival events I fear I have no other time available over the next several days."

She nods. "I shall be there at seven o'clock, then."

"Good-night, my Queen." You bend to kiss her hand, and then step back.

"Xavier!" she calls out after you have only taken a few steps away.

"Yes, Alayna?" She looks strangely... nervous, perhaps? It is a look so different from the radiant confidence she has projected at nearly every moment, it is hard to identify what she feels.

"I... I want you to know that although I might have given the impression otherwise, I have taken no offense at any of your actions or words this day. You have been a gracious host, and charming company."

"I am gratified, Alayna. I have greatly enjoyed making your acquaintance."

She steps closer, looking you in the eyes but with her head slightly turned, as if something is making it hard for her to do so. "I am not used to... that is to say, I have had to meet and deal with lords and kings on many occasions, to arrange the passage of my army through their lands, or to negotiate trade for supplies and other necessities. It is not something I look forward to, and I did not look forward to meeting with you either. But, from moment one, you have defied my expectations. Most of all, I did not expect to... like you."

You feel a flush to your cheeks, which is matched in her own. "I, er... I have also found -"

Your words are cut off as she suddenly steps forward and gives the kiss which she had suppressed in the Great Hall. Her lips are soft, and warm with the same flush which colored her cheeks, and she is tall enough that you need only tilt your head down slightly to meet her. In the midst of the haze which accompanies her embrace, you have the random thought that her breastplate feels strange pressed up against you; you have never, after all, kissed a woman wearing armor!

Then she pulls away, and when you open your eyes you see a fire burning in her own, a fierce desire which she seems to hold at bay only through a supreme effort of will. But with the abruptness of a candle flame blown out by a draft, she regains her composure and steps back.

"Good-night then, King Xavier," she says, and the door to her room closes between you.

It takes you a moment longer to recover from the unexpected event, but with a quick shake of your head you are able to get your mind working again. "Er, Sir Benedicht, please remain here to stand guard at Queen Alayna's door. You will be relieved by Sir Magnus at midnight."

"Yes, Sire," Benedicht says, giving no indication that he saw anything unusual (indeed, you would be very surprised if he did give such an indication).

Upon your return to the Great Hall, you immediately take a goblet of wine from a passing steward and drain it, putting the goblet back on the same tray.

"Are you troubled, dear Xavier?" Valerie asks as she appears at your side.

"Valerie... women are bewildering," you say to her.

"Yes, we are," she agrees. "But, would men have it any other way? I think not."