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

Andrewe pulled away and slumped to the side, grinning when Emmett turned his head. “I did not even notice,” Andrewe said.


Emmett smiled. “You were enjoying yourself. That is a good thing.”


“I always enjoy you,” Andrewe said, and lifted a trembling hand to press Emmett’s soaked hair from his forehead. “That was amazing.” Andrewe’s lids were already heavy, taking too long to rise again each time Andrewe blinked.


Don’t close your eyes, Emmett thought. Don’t fall asleep. Just stay awake with me forever so we never have to face what happens next.24


Emmett waited until the dark had claimed every corner of Andrewe’s chambers before he rose. Andrewe’s breath was deep and even, he lay perfectly still, and all Emmett could think was how peaceful Andrewe was. How comfortable. How completely Andrewe had been lulled into a false sense of security that he could sleep so contentedly.


Chapter 36