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

Confusion. Betrayal. Angst. “You knew of this?” Andrewe asked him.


Emmett could barely nod. “I tried to stop them, your Highness. I tried to stop it all—”


“Traitor!” a guard hissed and Emmett flinched.


“Your Highness, I thought…I could…I tried to make it stop—”


“Liar,” another angry expletive and Emmett fought tears.


“There were…promises…and I just—”


“Put him in chains,” Andrewe said quietly.


“Let me deal with him now,” yet another guard said and Emmett felt the tip of sword against his back.


Andrewe turned his face and put his arms out to both his siblings. As they ran to cling to him, Andrewe did the same towards Aleyn. “To chambers,” Andrewe said to the children, and then turned back to the guards. “And you will not. You will put him chains as I requested and seal him in the dungeon.” Andrewe waved at several men lying at their feet and it was only then that Emmett noticed the bodies of half a dozen rebels in various states of destruction.


Chapter 40