“You know why.”
“I know it’s to guard her, but you and I both know she’s not a murderer, so why do you continue to do it?”
“Do you really think Father has given me a choice?”
Her attempt at a stoic demeanor fizzled, and she rolled those large green eyes. “Who cares what the duke says?”
“It isn’t a matter I can cast aside. He’s ordered me to.”
“You should be looking for the real murderer. Why set you on guard duty? Is he punishing you?”
“Why do you suspect that?”
Adelaide pinned her arms across her chest. “Remember, I know everything.”
She was cunning in her ability to gather information, but Theo and his father’s discussions were held behind closed doors.
“Maybe because I’ve been avoiding him.” He brushed aside his sister’s curious abilities for now. “That’s not all he’s asked me to do.”
She inclined a brow. “What has he asked of you?”
Maybe she didn’t know everything.“He wants me to get to know Amaris on a personal level, learn who she really is.”
“Why does he care? Does he have nothing better to do?”
Theo grabbed Adelaide’s arm, pulling her down the hall. Whoever was behind that curtain had no business eavesdropping in their formal affairs. It was one thing for her to disrespect their father’s name in the confines of her bedchamber or on the beach where no one could hear over the cresting of a wave, but not out in the open.
“I’m not going to tell him anything.”
Her brows knitted together. “What do you mean?”
“I said I’d learn who she is. The problem is, the more I learn, the greater desire I have to hold her secrets.”
“What has she told you?”
“Her life outside of here is still a mystery,” Theo began. “I was hoping she’d at least have knowledge of where her family was so we could send for them, but she doesn’t know.”
“What else?”
“Why doyoucare so much?” Theo shot at her. He appreciated herdesire to help but hated bringing her into it. Going against their father was dangerous, and he didn’t want her to get wrapped up in his burdens. Besides, she needed to occupy herself with training. If she ever wanted to rid herself of her current life and become a soldier, she needed to prove herself. “You’ve known the woman for all of a couple of weeks.”
She balled her hands into fists, pulling back her shoulders. “She’s… It’s…” For once, she was at a loss. “She ran from her old life. She’s courageous and stands up to the duke and Bennet.”
“You admire her.”
“And you don’t? We need to protect her.”
Theo dragged his hand down his face and exhaled. “I’m trying, but she’s proving quite difficult to deal with.”
“She had the bravery to run away from all she knows. Where’s yours?” She stepped closer and sneered. It was now Theo who was at a loss. “What happened to Nate?” Adelaide’s words were sharper than the sword at her side. She might as well have taken her weapon and sank it into his chest.
His voice cracked. “Adelaide—”
She raised her hand. “No one will tell me. We received a missive of his death, but that was it.”
Theo’s head spun. He couldn’t do it. Not now…probably never. He’d fought the panic from his nightmare only an hour ago. He didn’t have the strength now to fend it off. He gripped the hilt of his dagger, dragging his thumb over the raised crest.I fight and I live.
“Did you know his sister ran away?” Adelaide’s voice droned in his ear.
