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

“Where are you going?” Aleyn called fearfully when Emmett rose.


Emmett stopped and gave Aleyn a smile. “To find a friend.”15


“You called this meeting,” Thomas said, casting a nervous eye towards the gate that led from the rear wall to the forest. “So speak or bid me farewell.”


They’d only been standing for a short while but Emmett understood Thomas’ tension. He felt it himself—in every bone, nerve, and tendon. “I have…concerns,” Emmett said finally. “Of what you spoke.”


“I…” Emmett ran a hand through his hair distractedly. “I…”


“Am tired of being a toy?” Thomas offered. “Question the authority provided to these tyrants? Am sick of the greed and the abuse of people by others just because they are considered royal? Or are you tired of fighting to be perfect amongst an elite few that doesn’t even try to be? Which is it, Emmett? Or is it all of that?”


Emmett didn’t know why he was fighting tears. Only that he was. “I am not a slave.”


Chapter 27