“I’m not sure that’s fair, but your concerns are noted.”
“What?”
“What?” He shook his head. “Never mind. Just. Cyrus is not someone you should be scared ofora stranger to. He’s my best friend; he’s held that title since I was seventeen years old, and he’svery,veryhonorable. He’s not a strange man, he’s a…He’s aswordsman. A bodyguard, in this case, and now, he’s your riding companion, which, you’ll remember, is something that youaskedme for.”
“Yes. You. I asked foryourcompany,” I said.
“I cannot spare it,” he replied.
“You cannot spare it?” I repeated.
“I cannot,” he said.
“Why?”
“I have pressing obligations elsewhere. That said, we must keep you safe while we investigate this horse-burning business. Aside from throwing you in a tower, what other means are there for you to enjoy the Season while still remaining well-protected?”
“I’d like to see youtryand throw me in a tower, Prince,” I said. “You may walk over, but you’ll limp back.”
He shifted. “I did not… It wasn’t arealsuggestion. I wasn’t trying to offend you.”
“I’m glad it comes so naturally then.”
Sam sighed. “You even sound like Cyrus, honestly.”
“Do youintendto investigate the horses?” I asked. “You were as indifferent as His Majesty before. I’m not an idiot. You won’t fool me with flashy distractions.”
“Indifferent? I resent that accusation.”
“You did nothing to stand up for me.”
“I apologized for that and… Yes, I may not have been vocal about it at the time, but yes, we do intend to investigate, and before you ask, yes, it wasIwho made sure of that fact. No one else.”
“...You?” I eyed him. “When?”
“Last night when I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “After our… After our conversation. It’s not as though I could just slip into a slumber and let the evening go. You were obviously the subject of my thoughts, so I went to my father for you,” he said like it was impressive.
“And?”
“And I am a man of action,” he said. “I wanted to apologize, but I had a feeling you mightdemandproof of my sincerity.”
“I think that is a fair request given the damage you dealt to my faith in you,” I explained.
“Yes, and I also know that I cannot erase what you saw, but Icanand am offering you an olive branch. I don’t wish to fight with you. It is my hope that this whole thing, this– the investigation, the rides, the things you’ve seen– I want you to forgive me, Svana. We’re to be married soon. And marriage…It’s forever, you know? Do you forgive me?”
“It’s forgiveness that you want?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said.
“Then you’re ending things with her?” I asked.
Myriding companionarrived in the opening beside us. He rapped his knuckles against one of the closer panes.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” he said.
“Ah! There he is!” Sam said, smiling. He tsked. “Like you have to call me that.”
“Are you ending things with her?” I asked the Prince.
