He hadn't expected her to be awake, and when he saw her, he sighed. She was a marvel to him. So vulnerable and womanly, yet she still had an imperious aura that made him truly believe she was really a Queen. 

He looked into her eyes, and then sighed, his broad shoulders rising and falling like a wave. He shook his head. "I don't know." He told her. He placed his hands on his hips, giving a sad smile. "The last time I saw them was before I'd met you." 

His next words had conviction, however. "I went to live out here to be free, not to be under the yoke of one or the other greedy Lord. I went to live out here to ply my own trade, not to pay any more tribute than the town's tax..." He sat down on the cot. "I won't sell. I can't."