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

“How they speak of your life, how they force your decisions…”


Andrewe’s eyes misted over. “That is my duty, Emmett.”


Andrewe shook his head. “Not to my father or my mother either. But to my people. You said so yourself.”


“I know,” Emmett sighed. “And I could not envision living with myself if I harmed an innocent, any innocent for that matter. Even though it meant that I would be ruining the plans I had to steal you away and keep you for myself, that I would be throwing away a chance to love you forever, I told them no. I told them I was going to the guards and I was telling of their plans.”


Andrewe leaned his forehead against the bars. “Then why didn’t you?”


“Thomas said they already had you, Andrewe. They said they would kill you.” Emmett’s eyes burned with tears that would not spring. “I didn’t know what to do. But then Aleyn came with you. And there was no blast.” Emmett shook his head. “Why was there no blast?”


Chapter 41