Chapter 36: Mia

“Father, Des…”

“I know, he’s having a hard time with the parting, but I’ve already made arrangements for him to be part of the Emperor’s guard. That way though he may not be at your side, he will still be close.”

“You must promise to take good care of him.”

“I know and I will see about having him moved to the Crown Prince’s detail soon, so that he can be closer. But daughter you must promise me.”

I turned to look at him, the seriousness of his tone alerting me. “What is it father?”

“You must keep your relationship with Des a secret.”

“Why? I don’t understand.”

“It’s like this. Though you and everyone here see him as your brother, to the rest of the world he’s not. It would not be tolerated if the closeness between you two was made known outside these walls.”

“That’s stupid.”

“It very well maybe, but that’s the way it has to be. Promise me, or I will keep him here.” We both knew that was easier said than done.