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

Tears? Emmett thought in stunned silence. Or merely heavy breath? Duty alone, though merely the humanitarian duty to a man in distress and not specifically duty to Andrewe himself, made Emmett rise and open the door.


Emmett couldn’t see Andrewe’s face. Andrewe leaned against the door, his forehead to the wood and his back heaving with laboured breath.


Andrewe didn’t turn around. He spoke as if to the door itself. “I need you, Emmett. Forget your anger for just one night. You can hate me again tomorrow.”


“Your Highness, I…” Emmett fumbled for words.


“Please, Emmett,” Andrewe’s voice was beaten. “Please don’t make me ask you again. If you have a single shred of tolerance for me I need you now…”


Paper crinkled against Emmett’s chest as he stepped into the hallway. He stopped. “I have need of a moment’s time first…”


“Never mind,” Andrewe said quietly, opening the door. “Forget I asked.”21


Emmett’s heart fluttered in time to wings.


Chapter 31