To his credit, Caspian does not actually mouth the words Kissin' Kate?, either to himself or to Marian. Kate, his friend, who has just helped him with such astute insight and good speed, is looking more than a little uncomfortable, and she's right. It's not important, not now.

"There's more than one long story to be told," he agrees, glancing to Marian. He doubts Kate will think more kindly of his secrets once she knows that, of all the folk still here, only Marian and Amy know his whole story, his past and title. "It was wrong of me to keep secrets from you, Kate. I cry your pardon. You've proven a true friend more than once, and I'm ashamed to have lied, even by a lack of admission."

He pauses, shakes his head, with a half-smile that's part abashed and part rueful. "But I think you are correct that right now is not the time."