“What did you do when you went?” I asked.
He focused on something behind me on the wall. “I did what I had to.”
My chest tightened with the thought, but more that he was upset.
He said, “I lied to you because I don’t…” He lost a sigh. “I didn’t wish to look my Queen in the eyes and tell her I was a traitor to her land.Ourland.”
“A traitor?” I asked.
“Yes. Call me what I am. I’ve killed Oreian men in the name of King Sameer,” he said. “There’s no other name for that. I understand who I am. Is that what you want me to say?”
“Is it the truth?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said. “I’m not proud of it. I’m not proud of the War at all, even from your side. Our side. Sorry. So many people died. For what? Power? The Crown?”
I touched his cheek; his eyes closed.
“Svana…” He said, “I cannot claim what I did was righteous; I cannot bring myself to explain to you that I did it to remain where I was. Selfishly. To behere. I cannot stand to hear you ask,why, Mr. Evergreen, why did you keep this horror from me?”
“The War hurt us all,”I vowed.
Evergreen laughed, dark and quietly. “I love Chalke, Princess. I do. She’s been my home for many years when Oreia could not have me. While I do not begin to dismiss our country’s importance, I… My father was here. You see? He was sick. He relied on me. Sameer relied on me. He was my friend, and I… And I kept it from you because I… I liked how you looked at me when you didn’t know the depravity of my actions to remain in comfort.”
“I don’t believe it was only about comfort for you,” I argued.
“You absolutely should.”
“No,” I said. I shook my head, determined. “There’s something you’re not saying. You’re shallow. You’re not a coward. You… Would His Majesty have sent you home?” I asked. “King Sameer? Without your father? If you did not pledge your allegiance?”
He only glanced at that. “I would not have seen home, Svana.”
“Then what—Oh,” I said. “He would’ve…?”
“Daniel mentioned obstacles that us immigrants faced, yeah? They were real. Theyarereal. I don’t know. With the Treaty, things have changed, minutely, but while we were fighting… It was made very clear to me thatallPalace employees who were men of ability and age, would fight for His Majesty or beremoved.Permanently.”
“What didSameersay?” I begged. “Did he not defend you? You’re friends!”
“He was a kid, Svana. We both were. Whatcouldhe say?” he asked. “What could anyone say?”
“He was not akid. Not ever. Royals are not children. And if you were sent to fight, then you were a man, and you and so was he! You’re the same age. I know this. I pay attention. He should’ve stood up to his father for you!”
“Oh. Should he have? And what about you, Your Highness? You’re royal. Never been a child, then, eh? Haveyoualways stood up to your father?” he asked.
My words quivered. “W-Why did you not flee? Why not come home?” I asked. “...Can you?”
“Your pardon?”
“Canyou return home?” I asked. “To Oreia, I mean. Are you—Are you a fugitive?”
He bristled.
“Oh. That—” I nodded foolishly. “I see. Well there’s that then. You know, I’m not as dull as you may believe, Mr. Evergreen. I know there are men out there— criminals, that?—”
“I do not think you are dull,” he said. “No one would ever accuse you of that. You’re perfectly sharp. Like a dagger, really.”
“You lie,unprompted. You avoid all talk of our culture, of my father, unless you’re taking strikes at his character. You’re quickwith a sword. Gifted in many talents but yet your positionhereis threatened and you choose to remain, not return home where you belong. You’re a malefactor. My father has banned you. Confess.”
“Amalefactor?”he asked.
