Recently docked after a voyage abroad, Emmett wants only to find a warm bed and good food, for himself and the cabin boy he's taken into his care. Those plans are impeded, however, by an altercation in the streets -- with a man he realizes too late is England's heir to the throne, Prince Andrewe.<br><br>When the encounter unexpectedly leads to a position in the royal household attending the prince, Emmett is not certain what to think. On one hand, it's a reliable income and ensures the safety of his charge. On the other, it's neither the life Emmett knows, nor an environment that he's comfortable in. Left to learn his lessons the hard way, Emmett spends his days contending with a spoiled, infuriating prince who leaves him in a constant tangle of emotions.<br><br>Then he begins to hear whispers of treason and must make a choice: defend Prince Andrewe or betray him.

Honour

He wound first string, then ribbon over the tail he pulled Andrewe’s hair into, and worked the remainder into long curls. He stood back, brushed the shoulders of Andrewe’s doublet clean, and waited for Andrewe to rise. “Will there be anything else, your Highness?”


A second passed, and another, before Andrewe lifted his hand and rested his palm against Emmett’s cheek. “Yes.” Emmett had never heard Andrewe’s voice so empty or quiet. “Forgive me.”


The request cut Emmett deeper than any blade Emmett had ever known. Emmett closed his eyes and took a breath. He was a simple man, with a simple heart and he didn’t understand the games that Andrewe played. Couldn’t even process why they were played in the first place. Need was the only reason Emmett could consider with any accountability—a constant need to be reassured, to reassess, to re-establish. And Emmett just didn’t feel strong enough to be the net for every time Andrewe felt the need to jump from somewhere high.


Chapter 22