“We were children, Daniel,” I said. “What could you have done?”
“I could’ve told my father,” he said.
“Iwould’vehated you then. Do you think I wanted the Viscount to know? For what? You think my Father didn’t?” I scoffed. “All you would’ve done is further humiliate me and perpetuate the rumors to South Aire. At least this way they are confined to King’s Land.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re not children anymore, are we?”
“You’re right.”
“I want to mend our bond, Svana. I want you to trust me.”
“I do.”
“No. I want you to know that I’m a man of many skills and more importantly, I’m a man on your side. When your Father offered me the Kingsguard, I accepted with the knowledge that only in this honor, could repent for my inaction. I intend to do that.”
“Willoughby, it’s fine. It’s?—”
“It’s not fine, Svana. We’refamily.Family protects family. Ser Elías and I will never allow anyone to hurt you ever again, I promise you. That’s all the farm was about. That’s all these rides are about. I am here for your safety and the safety of Oreia’s future. Alright?”
“I won’t jeopardize my marriage to the Prince,” I said. “I?—”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass about the fucking Prince!” he spat.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I don’t care about the Prince,” he said. “The man insults you every day that he violates your union with another woman, but it doesn't matter. What matters is how your marriageappears,and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that nothing is as it appears.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I will help you protect your image and your reputation. I will tell anyone who asks that you don’t enjoy Mr. Evergreen’s company more than the Prince’s. I’ll encourage the rumor that you are well wed and happy for as far as I can send it and for as long as I should live and I can be very convincing, Your Highness. I am so good at all the games.”
“I-”
“I’ll keep you safe from those who would harm you, and I won’t ever ignore your fear again. And I will never mistake the trust we share as grounds to overstep or control you. If you say that Mr. Evergreen is good, then I believe you, no matter Ser Elías’s concern. And if you want to dazzle me with shiny maids and aim to distract me with lavender gowns, so be it. I lovelavender and I will do as you command. The only time I willeverstep in, is if you are in immediate danger and I must. Is that fair? Is that enough?”
“Ser…” I could not say much else.
“I respect Ser Elías. I do, but sometimes he is too rigid, and if he is my father figure and yours, then that makes us more than cousins, does it not? We’re siblings, and siblings help each other defy their parents from time to time. Believe, I would know. As long as you are safe, I don’t see the harm in a little happiness, but we must be intentional about what is known by whom and there is no better for this job than me.”
“I am sure I don’t know what you mean, and I am sure I didn’t mean to dazzle you,” I said.
“Yes you did, but it’s alright. I’m perfectly content with being dazzled. Miss Jocelyn is a very beautiful woman.”
I slowly relented. “I see that you’re a lot smarter than I thought you were.”
“You see what I want you to see. You see what I want everyone to see. It comes with the territory of being third born in a house of power hungry asshats. Pardon my language, Princess.”
“Still, I must say, I had no idea you felt such allegiance to me,” I said. “I’m a bit taken aback.”
“You’re the Crown, cousin,” he said. “I am a knight.”
“Still.”
“Do you feel better?” he asked.
I took a moment to assess. “From my dream? Actually, yes.”
“Good. Go back to bed,” he said.
