There isn't any pity. Ronan respects hard work. He enjoys sneaking away to help the servants tending the grounds and the animals at the palace. Somehow Ronan Lynch had the heart of a farm hand.

"And wasting your time at the palace today kept you from those chores, right?" Ronan looked at him again. The more they talked, really talked, the more he found himself stealing glances at his face. "Could I stay and help you do your chores? This is my fault anyway. I'd like to help."