Chapter 19

"You don't have to think Isolde, just do." Elynor's words clamped down on her racing thoughts. Her lips pursed tightly together she didn't want to add anymore fuel to the fire after all what was she to do? So much had already transpired and she was in the thick of it wether she liked it or not. Isolde took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"I... I understand my place, Prince Elynor," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will do as you ask, but I cannot promise my thoughts will be silent."

The prince turned to face her fully, his expression inscrutable. "I do not ask for your silence, Isolde," he said, his voice softening slightly. "I ask for your discretion."

Isolde's eyes widened at the prince's words, a flicker of surprise and understanding passing over her features. Discretion. It was a loaded term, one that carried with it a weight of unspoken implications. She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.