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

Aleyn cried out, the punch knocking him off his feet. The princess began to cry, the younger prince clung to her, more to soothe himself than his sister, and Andrewe grabbed Emmett’s sleeve when Emmett lurched towards the activity.


“You,” Thomas growled at Aleyn, “you I would have conceded to.” He switched his tone to a mocking parody of Emmett’s. “I must bring the boy, I must care for the boy.” His voice dropped to the ugly snarl again. “And so I give in and I say yes and you see what this does to me? The boy brings the prince! Both heirs, nonetheless! As if it were his duty!”


Emmett made to move towards Aleyn’s shaking crouch while Thomas was distracted but Thomas spun towards him, sword levelled. “Do not. I will strike you if I have to.” He grinned a jester’s crazed smile and the expression made Emmett’s belly drop. “I do not want to, Emmett. But as God as my witness I will cut you down if you continue to disobey me.”


Chapter 39