“Yes,” she said. “I’m not even going to be on the line and I’m terrified.”

“Would you think me a miserable coward if I said I was frightened too?”

“I would think you a fool if you weren’t.”

He sighed and let his head rest on his knees.

“What is it?”

“If I tell you something, do you promise to keep it a secret?” he asked, keeping his head down.

“I’m an ambassador. I do that sort of thing for a living.”

“I’ve never fought in a battle before. I’ve never killed a man.”

“I suspect that is the case for nearly everyone fighting tomorrow,” she said, hoping he would assume she included herself in that statement. She could not bear to tell him the truth. “I don’t think most of these people have ever used a sword.”

“Some have.” He lifted his head. “Adam fought with Ethelred’s army against the Ghazel when Lord Rufus won his fame. Renkin Pool and Forrest, the silversmith’s son, also fought. That’s why I have them as leaders in the line. The thing is, everyone is looking to me like I’m a great war hero, but I don’t know if I’ll stand and fight or run like a coward. I might faint dead away at the first sight of blood.”

Arista reached out, taking his hand in hers. “If there is one thing I’m certain of”—she looked directly into his eyes—“it’s that you’ll stand and fight bravely. I honestly don’t think you could do anything else. It just seems to be the way you’re made. I think your innate courage is what everyone sees and why they look up to you—like I do.”

Emery bowed his head. “Thank you, that was very kind.”

“I wasn’t being kind, just honest.” Suddenly feeling awkward, she released his hand and asked him, “How is your back?”

“It still hurts,” he said, raising his arm to test it. “But I’ll be able to swing a sword. I really should let you get to sleep.” He scrambled off the bed.

“It was nice that you came,” she told him, and meant it.

He paused. “I’ll only have one regret tomorrow.”

“And what is that?”

“That I’m not noble.”

She gave him a curious look.

“If I were even a lowly baron and survived the battle, I would ride to Melengar and ask your brother for your hand. I would pester him until he either locked me up or surrendered you. I know that is improper. I know you must have dukes and princes vying for your affections, but I would try just the same. I would fight them for you. I would do anything … if only.”