“That’s convenient.” Luther reclined back, his sneer sending Theo’s blood to curdle as he studied a stain on the armrest.
“Convenient? She’s lived with this man while he berates her, and when she finally got the courage to run, we automatically deem her a murderer. There’s no evidence to suggest she killed that man. Father has asked me to get to know her, to learn her truth, and I have. Why doesn’t he trust me? Is it because he’s blinded by his arrogance?”
Luther prodded at the inside of his mouth with his tongue, bulging his cheek. “You of all people should know when he has his mind set that he rarely falters. You should consider yourself lucky he isn’t sending you along with her. I suggest you take what the gods have offered you and move on with your life.”
“I won’t stand for this,” Theo snapped. “Amaris is innocent!”
Luther jumped from his chair, crouching before Theo. “It looks to me like you can hardly stand at all, let alone protect her.”
There was no arguing with him or their father. Their minds were made up, and they’d send her to a prison that sucked every bit of a person’s existence and turned them hollow and cold. He’d suffered for years with numbness in his heart. Amaris didn’t deserve that.
“When?” Theo asked, his hand tugging at the hem of his shirt, assuring it covered his back.
“After the Conjugation. Lord Godfrey is to accept her as a prisoner and deliver her to Elric.”
Theo had to put a stop to it. “Why tell me?”
He smirked. “Because there’s nothing you can do. She’ll be gone soon, and we’ll all forget about her. Father has even begun preparations for a new mystique to be sent from Lockwood.”
Lockwood was a fortress of learning and knowledge. Many stayedwithin its walls, honing their skills and building their wealth of knowledge. Most mystiques serving a province had come from their teachings.
“The sooner you accept this, the easier it’ll be to continue with your life. Think about your future and your people’s future. Don’t throw it all away for a common servant.”
Theo couldn’t snap back at him. If he was to formulate a plan, he needed his brother to believe he’d gotten through to him. Their father would’ve seen right through it, but Luther was still young. Even though he’d been by their father’s side for over a decade studying and learning his role, he was naive.
“Has Genevieve spoken of the Conjugation?” Maybe if he were to bring someone his stepmother approved of, he could show a semblance of normalcy.
“That she has,” he said, standing and lacing his hands behind his back. He walked about the tower, studying the various books and herbs Amaris had left out on the worktable. “She said you haven’t returned her list of suitors.”
Theo needed someone who’d be on his side and play the part without asking any questions, and he knew one woman who’d be in attendance and owed him an incredibly huge favor.
“I’ve selected someone, and I’ll send word to intercept her travels immediately.”
“Might I ask who you plan to escort to the Conjugation?” Luther asked, flipping through a book on the worktable, pulling out a piece of parchment.
“Helen Canon.”
He balked. “You intend to escort the Duchess of Ebonmaw? She’s hardly in the realm of suitors Mother has selected for you. It isn’t appropriate.”
“Helen fought valiantly during the war. We are two sides to a piece of silver.”
Helen had left her home to fight in the war, disguising herself for her first few seasons. She’d revealed her identity sometime during Theo’s imprisonment. As she was an incredible fighter, her officers couldn’t risk sending her back. She was the only child of the late Duke of Ebonmaw. She’d only finally been pulled from the fight when her parents had perished in a dreadful fire. They’d been on holiday, and the cottage had gone up in smoke before they could get out.
“Mother won’t be happy.”
“She’ll learn to live with it,” Theo said.
“At least you’re willing to try. I hear Esaias will be escorting a common merchant’s daughter. He still portrays his wealth and class, but he’s now no more than a simple soldier. Who would ever step from their birthright and renounce their heritage?”
“He doesn’t care what you or the other members of nobility think. As far as he’s concerned, he would say class and society can burn in After.”
“Class and society are what keep this kingdom in check,” Luther sneered, his face twisting in disgust. “It’s what reminds the lowers of where they belong. We cannot be associating ourselves with someone far below our class. It’s likely why he gave his life away in the first place, so he can be free to fuck whomever he wants.”
Luther eyed Theo’s hands clenching, and a smirk crossed his face. He was lucky Theo wasn’t at his full strength, or he’d make sure Luther was the one upon the bed, unable to get up.
“Once I’m to be wed to Petra Godfrey, Mother will wish to spend her time moving on to her next child. She selected a fine match for me. I presume she’s already started spreading your bachelor status among the other nobles of Godwin.”
“I won’t marry someone just because they’re of noble blood,” Theo said, lowering his voice. “I don’t care what she does. I won’t allow her to make decisions about my life.”
