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It didn’t matter. The sound filled his heart and overflowed, and he didn’t notice when tears trickled softly down his cheeks.

After quite some time, she looked up at him and stopped in shock. “Kai! What’s wrong?”

He shuddered and blinked.Nothing and everything. You are so beautiful. I knew you had a beautiful voice but…

“Are you ill? I didn’t mean to upset you.” She stood and moved closer to him, studying him in the lamplight. He bowed and put his forehead to her hand.

I love you.

She bent to see his face better. “What’s wrong?” Her voice was so gentle and sweet, so concerned, that he wanted to sob.

I love you.He closed his eyes and put his cheek against her hand, letting her feel the tears. Then he met her gaze.I imagined you fortunate to have captured my heart. I was so foolish! Simply to be here with you is a gift.

Marin bit her lip, her eyes wide and concerned. “Are you feeling quite well? You must be tired,” she said. “Perhaps we should retire for the night.”

Grief twisted in Kaerius so sharply that he nearly doubled over and wept.I would love to sing with you someday.

She pulled her hand from his, and then, for an instant, cupped his cheek gently. “I am sorry,” she said again. “I didn’t mean to… to make you sad.”

He turned his face into her hand and kissed her palm before she pulled away.Your voice is a gift, and I am grateful for every moment with you.

Chapter 19

The next day Marin and Kaerius ate a quiet breakfast with Lila.

“How is he?” Marin asked.

Lila looked away, her lips trembling. “He’s… I don’t think he’s in immediate danger,” she said at last.

“He’s in pain, isn’t he?”

Lila nodded. “He won’t complain, of course. He’s barely eaten since the attack. He said it only made him more nauseated, and he didn’t want to vomit because it made his headache so much worse. He slept well last night, though. I suppose that’s good.” She forced a tiny smile. “Sir Vincent said sleep would help.”

“He’s still sleeping?”

“Yes.” Lila picked at her toast. “He’s still dizzy, too. He said it felt like the world kept tilting.”

Has anyone found evidence against Ralph?

Marin said, “There is no conclusive evidence of who attacked him.”

It was Ralph. I have no doubt.He scowled.

“You’re not just holding a grudge because he’s insulting and obnoxious, are you?” Marin asked quietly.

Kaerius blinked, momentarily shocked, and then straightened. His nostrils flared as he tried to keep his offended indignation in check.Absolutely not. I do despise him, but I would not make such an accusation if I were not confident of its truth.

His stomach churned. He’d barely eaten anything, but he felt sick with frustration and hurt.Do you really think me so selfish and prideful that I would seek to accuse and kill a man for no reason other than his words? I am proud. I admit it. But I tasted Ralph upon Brighton’s jacket, and upon Galbraith’s, and I see no honorable reason for that. It may not be evidence you can see, but I vow that it is the truth.

Galbraith was just as obnoxious to me, and you saw that I saved his life.

He stared across the table at her, his jaw tight.

Do you truly think so little of me?

Her lips trembled, and she nodded. “If you’re sure.”

Kaerius could not bear the faint hint of doubt in her eyes. He knew that her doubt was at least somewhat justified, but it was too painful in that moment to imagine that she thought him vindictive and petty. He stood and bowed deeply and fled to Brighton’s room.