Neither did she, for that matter. It was raw and consuming, whatever this connection was between them, but Bronwyn had no earthly definition for it. Lust at its most base? Primal attraction? Whatever it was, it was powerful enough to not stop him from condemning her and craving her at the same time. Or vice versa, considering how he’d brought her back on the ship like a lowly criminal. She should hate him.

“Well, at least you are honest about that.”

“When have I not been truthful with you, Bronwyn?” But even as he replied, shadows descended over his face. His whole life had been a lie, just as hers had become. There was no room for truth, not when one’s existence depended on the fabrication of false identities.

“Who is your contact in the Home Office?” he asked. “If you even have one.”

Her gloved fingers clenched around the metal of the railing. “I cannot tell you.”

“Cannot or will not?” he asked.

“Whichever suits your narrative, Your Grace,” she replied. “You’ve pegged me as a traitor who is deserving of your contempt in your less-than-humble estimation.”

“The Kestrel is a rogue operative, Bronwyn, acting beyond any official capacity that I am aware of, and that person, astonishingly, is you. The sheltered, highborn sister of my friend. How else would you have me respond? If you were any other, I would have you locked in the brig. Contempt is not even close to what I feel. I am furious you’ve put yourself in this position!”

“And again, that is my decision,” she said quietly.

“Yes, you’ve said. It doesn’t stop me from worrying about your safety, and it won’t stop Ashvale from fretting about it either. You do understand what’s going to happen when we get to London?” He exhaled. “Your brother will be the worst of it, and with his new position in the Lords, the repercussions upon him will be challenging.”

“Repercussions?” Bronwyn asked with a frown.

“Come now, my lady. Clearly, you have a very intelligent brain in that head of yours. What do you think will happen when the sister of a mixed-race duke is accused of treason? How do you think that will reflect upon him?”

“This has nothing to do with Courtland!” she retorted.

“Doesn’t it?” he asked softly. “He’s your brother. A duke many still don’t recognize as the rightful Duke of Ashvale because of his heritage. They will say your actions are obviously reflective of his character and his influence, and all the work he has put in to change ignorance and biases will be lost.”