“Protect him, of course,” I said. “...And myself. From a distance.”
“Distance,” he said. It wasn’t a question.
“Like you, I have my reasons,” I explained.
“Uh-huh. And pray, what are those?”
“Well. Number one, he’s a liar,” I said.
“Of course he is, he’s a man,” Willoughby said.
“What? No. I meant…” I grumbled slightly. “I meant, he’s been lying to me since I arrived here in Chalke and that’s concerning. Not only has he lied to everyone else here with his false name, but he did not tell me right away and, and that… That is concerning. As I said. If wanting to avoid such negativity encourages distance, so be it.”
“Last night the man was yoursoulmate,”Willoughby said. “You cried.”
“Heismy soulmate," I said.
“You said they branded him. For you.”
“Yes. They did.” I averted my gaze. “And?”
“And you don’t think that could be a reason he did not tell you who he was?” he asked.
“I–” I frowned. “What? What do you mean? If anything, that is the reason why heshouldtell me.”
“Right. Sure, cousin. I think that if anyone needs to have a conversation, it’s you and him. Not me and Jocelyn,” he said.
“Are youhisknight or mine?” I asked.
“Yours.”
“Are you very sure?”
He smirked. “Yes. And it’s because I am your knight, that I am obligated to protect you,” he stated.
“Exactly!”
“Even from yourself,” he added.
My expression cooled. I groaned and twirled my hand to make him go on with his explanation.
He nodded, understanding. “Svana, when you were a child, and you would lie in your bed at night, what did you dream of? Crowns and castles?” he asked.
“No. What?”
“‘No.’” He nodded. “No. Not you. Then whatdidyou dream of, then?”
“Of Swords and Horses,” I said.
He narrowed his eyes.
“I…It’s a game. We used to play it together. When we were kids. When he was Willem.”
His face softened.
“Stop it. Don’t look at me like that,” I said.
“Love keeps no record of wrongs,” he started.
