Chapter 107

A lump formed in Kit’s throat. The idea that this accomplished young man, one who’d won many awards for bravery in battle, who had led men, who commanded her guard, was ordered into such a demeaning role by her own mother made her both melancholy and outraged at the same time. Eventually, she managed to say, “You’ve certainly done much more than that.”

He made a small sound in the back of his throat and the trace of a smile pulled at the corners of his mouth before it disappeared. “Thanks to you.”

“Me?” Kit leaned back in the chair, surprised to hear him say that. “Whatever do you mean? I did nothing.”

“You did everything, Kit. You inspired me. You always said I could be whatever I wanted to. You convinced me to try for the army; you chose me to be commander of your guard. Yes, Kit, all that I’ve accomplished, I’ve done so because of you.”