“Ev,” Rocurt said, holding out a hand.
“She doesn’t understand what she’s asking,” Evston said.
“Yes, I do. And I’m not asking, Rocurt. I’m begging you. She’s my only sister. She is to me what Evston is to you. Please,” Brandese whispered with tears in her eyes.
Evston felt his own resolve crumbling. The weight of her grief couldn’t be ignored. It was a massive living thing, and he felt the pain himself.
His brother though had men’s lives to consider too. And a duty to the king. He could remain strong despite those beautiful imploring eyes.
Evston held his breath. Rocurt’s response was an uncertain thing until a small sound from the corner drew Rocurt’s gaze. Melsint had a hand covering her mouth, but she was openly weeping.
Evston moved to block Rocurt’s view of his wife. “Listen to me, all of you. Princess Lanamoar did not try to run. She accepted this as her duty and rendered aid to the warrior who suffered a wound in an unfortunate incident. She was not dragged onto their ship. Before treason is committed, at least heed my warning that she may not thank you for rescuing her. If she were taken from her future husband against the king’s wishes, she would be forced to live in hiding. She would not be able to return for royal functions or to ever take her place as princess again.”
“She would be free!” Brandese screamed.
“You value freedom above all else. But ask yourself what Lana values. Is that what she wants more than anything?”
Brandese whirled to face Evston’s brother. “Will you rescue your princess or not?”
Rocurt’s expression was implacable, but his voice was strong when he spoke. “If Princess Lanamoar is being held against her will, my men and I will recover her or die trying. But if she has accepted her fate, I will wish her well and so will every member of this family, including you, princess. Agreed?”
Brandese swallowed hard.
“I’ll have your word,” Rocurt demanded.
“Yes,” she finally said. “But I will speak to her and see her with my own eyes. No one else’s word will satisfy me.”
Evston felt the cut down to bone, as he was meant to. He didn’t bother to tell her that he’d never lied to her. There was no point now. The look in her eyes told him all he needed to know about the way things stood between them.
Chapter Nineteen
Evston sat in the backgarden, staring out at the forest.
“She’s arrived safely at the hotel. Are you sure letting her move there was the right thing? Easier to smooth things over if she were under the same roof,” Rocurt said.
“I have to give her some time,” Evston said, forcing his hand to remain still as he lifted his glass.
