Chapter 29: The Witnesses

"That's ridiculous,'' I said, nervously. "One offering of one hand is not a… a proposal.''

Ash just glowered at David, whose face was tight.

"So… what happens now?'' I whispered as we neared a thicket of trees and began to turn back towards the lake.

"What happens now is the King chooses another favorite so they'll shift their attention from you,'' Ash said sternly.

"I will not be made to look so inconstant!'' David said indignantly.

"So, she is your favorite then?'' Ash shot back.

"I'm certain it is none of your business how Zara and I may or may not—"

"I'm her Defender—charged by you to protect her! Of course it's my business whether you're playing with her reputation—and her life!"

David's mouth snapped closed and I hissed at Ash to shut the hell up.

I was mortified. I couldn't meet David's eye. He was going to think I'd set Ash up, to try and get an alliance from him.