Chapter 4

But if you do, I swear I will still stand beside you.

Then something in Tovin’s eyes dulled, and Amery knew the knight had lost his nerve. For all his strength and bravery, admitting their affair proved beyond Tovin’s ability.

The regent sighed, more disappointed than he would have thought he’d be. As if he had never hesitated, Tovin continued his rant, choosing the safe route and keeping their secret between the two of them alone. “You don’t like me?” the knight asked. “Fine. You want to argue and fight and bitch at me? Fine.But you’re jeopardizing your people, regent,if you keep me from the front. You knowthat. I am their best defense—”

“What is best for my people,” Amery spat, bitter, “is that their regent lives. And if you are the best damn knight I have, then you’ll see it is your sworn duty to protect me. Me.This castle is where you’re needed, Sir Tovin. This castleis where you’ll stay.”

“I don’t—” Tovin started.

Weary, Amery cut him off. “I’ll not argue it further.”