~ DAVID ~
I stood there, stunned, as Stark took one breath, his blazing eyes never leaving mine.
"Sire, I am sworn to your protection, to your service, and to your success. I even vowed myself to your heart and told Lady Zara so—but you cannot do this! You cannot risk this!"
I felt myself tense. Knew he'd see it. "I have not risked anything—not intentionally. I have learned from this—"
"At what cost?"
"You just told me the rumors have heard nothing of this. There is no cost."
"Yet," he snapped.
"Yet," I agreed.
Both of us stared, neither backing down. I found myself wondering whether, should we come to blows, he would win or not. He had trained me well, and made certain I had instruction in forms of combat to which he was not accustomed.
I shook off the dark thoughts. I did not want to fight Stark.
"The past cannot be changed," I pointed out.
