Chapter 3

Benedict swallowed and bowed his head. “I am sorry, Henry.”

Henry lifted Benedict’s chin and smiled. “I know you are, Benedict. You are a good, obedient brother. You have been unduly influenced by evil of late and harmed during your captivity.”

Benedict opened his mouth to protest this, but the coldness in his brother’s gaze caused him to clamp it shut.

“Both the king and I are intent on keeping you safe from further turmoil. It caused great pain to your father when you were abducted. He is quite fond of you, as am I.”

“Aye, Henry.”

Henry patted his hand. “Do not fear that you will be guarded for a long time. It will not be. Only until I am certain you are safe. Gerard has told me that you have not eaten this eve. Is that true?”

“I was not hungry when the meal was brought up earlier.”

“You must eat, Benedict. You must retain your strength. I will have food brought up when I leave. You are to eat every bite.”

Benedict merely nodded.

Henry rose and so did Benedict.