“You’ll what?” Prince Baldair’s expression clashed darkly with his usually handsome exterior. “Get yourself together, Vhalla. Have you forgotten the terms the Senate gave you? Have you considered that your actions may force his hand?”

Horror stilled her, and her hands relaxed. He wouldn’t. “What do you want from me?” she whispered.

The prince leaned toward her to whisper in her ear. “Whatever you have with him, end it now.” His voice was quiet and it sounded sincere and pained. “If not for your sake, then for his.”

Vhalla’s chest tightened, but she didn’t have an opportunity to ask him what he meant. The rumble of a single horse and the whinny of an abrupt halt could be heard from outside the tent.

Prince Baldair straightened as the tent flap was thrown open. Vhalla turned and a wave of relief crashed over her as she saw the dark figure step inside.

“Ah, brother.” Prince Baldair rested his palms on his hips. “We were just talking about you.”

Chapter 11

ALDRIK’S EYES FLICKED from Vhalla to his brother. Vhalla met his gaze and pleaded with him silently to get her out of there as fast as possible. She saw him collect his emotions as he folded his hands behind his back.

“What is going on here?” His voice held a deathly stillness.

“She was caught in a brawl.” Prince Baldair glanced at Vhalla. “I was administering discipline.”

Vhalla’s head snapped back to the younger prince with a glare. Is that what he called it?

“I believe discipline falls to the subordinate’s leader.” She could hear the stress under Aldrik’s cool voice.

“Normally, yes,” Prince Baldair agreed. “But I think her leader is rather biased, don’t you?”

“Baldair ...” Aldrik didn’t even try to hide the threat in the depths of his voice.

“I think you’re confusing the woman, Aldrik. We both know how a man’s needs must be met, but she’s too young for you and your games.” Prince Baldair crossed his arms over his chest.

Vhalla refrained from pointing out that she wasn’t that much younger than Baldair himself.

“What is this?” Aldrik crossed over to his brother, stopping just short to stare his brother down. “Misplaced jealousy?” Aldrik sneered. “That a woman may prefer me over you?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” the blue-eyed prince scoffed. Prince Baldair drew his height and still came up a hand shorter than his brother. “This isn’t about me or you, this is about her.” His eyes shifted to Vhalla. “She was kind, shy, and sweet the first time I met her. Less than a year with you and look at what you’ve done to her Aldrik. She’s in black—”

“Baldair—” Aldrik snarled.

“—she’s fighting and liking it,” the younger prince continued.

“Baldair!” Aldrik’s hand balled into a fist.