At first he says, off-handedly, "With Laertes? I don't know." But then he pauses, slows a little. Several things slot into place at once.

After a moment he says, "I suppose I was."

Then he stops and turns to look at her. He speaks carefully , because he can feel how close the hurt still is within him. "I-- think I have often tried not to notice. Or think on it much. Safer to put this away. But this is what I meant when I told thee I spoke of my love to the king. We never-- it was never something possible. Dost understand me?"