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 was—is—quite fond of you.”


“And I of he, your Majesty,” Emmett whispered, the words too heavy to force volume on.


Richard dropped his arm on to the table with a thud so sudden and loud that Emmett flinched. “Which begs the question of why, sir. Why you let it get so far? Why you didn’t come to me with the plot in the first place? How could this have worked out with any kind of better end?”


Emmett’s eyes burned. “It could not have, your Majesty.” He lifted his chin and caught the king’s eyes for a brief moment. See me, Emmett’s expression said. Know the truth of what I’m saying. “I acted with my heart when I should have been thinking with my head. There is no way to take back what I’ve done; of this I am aware. Yet believe me, your Majesty, when I tell you I did it for love. I thought I knew what was best. I thought somehow I could have everything, and manage to get by without payment or consequence. I was wrong.”


Chapter 43