Arthur nods gravely, accepting Guinevere's words about Bran as a gift, and sets the subject aside. It's cruel to talk too long about his son by another wife; it reminds this Guinevere of her failure.

Arthur cannot bear to hurt the woman beside him, her golden hair radiant in the low sunlight. He loves her far too well -- with all of himself, he realizes. She is proud and fair, and she gave herself to him today. Arthur must lose her, soon, to the fate they share and to another doom even greater. The King of the Summer Country must return to the Summer Country, to the cold, dark-haired queen whom he has not even kissed since before Bran was born.

Arthur draws Guinevere to himself and kisses her again, desperately. There will be few enough chances later.