10

A Rope to Bind Her

Which you know very well!

Eben sighed. “I know my friend. I understand your reasoning for being a knight. You’d be my most trusted defender, my fiercest warrior.”

“I would look after the King I consider brother!” Zierno shoved his trencher aside.

No assassin could get close enough to look at you, much less kill you. And the Netherlands would remain a free country. Separate from the type of tyranny ruling Nightway and Igonox.

“You’re ambitious and your motives rightly set but why do you hunger for it so passionately?”

“I don’t trust Dorin. I never have. He’s a man with a price and would offer you up for enough coin.”

“He knows his place unlike many.” Eben lashed out.

Zier lifted his chin and his gaze turned to a hard glint.

Eben gave another heavy sigh. “I can only grant you what you desire if you accomplish a feat worthy of knighthood.”

The doors to the Dining Hall were tossed open. “Forgive me your highness. I came at Zier’s command to notify him if word came of a