She didn't even blink as he mentioned it. Didn't she realize that he could throw her in the dungeons for treason against the Crown?
"Blackmail?" Her face relaxed somewhat.
"I believe that's what this is." He waved the letter in front of her again.
"Call it what you want."
He took a step closer this time. "You understand that you would also be jeopardising yourself in the process, do you not?"
She drew in a deep breath. "I know that all too well. But I don't care. My sister's safety is more important than my image in society. And if I continue to serve you, I will lose even that."
"What makes you say that?"
She laughed, a dry and bitter sound. "Your protection is very similar to that of my uncle's - control disguised as safety."
He blinked, his fingers twitching. She compared him to her vile uncle.
Was that how she actually saw him?
"What do you want then?"
"I want protection for my sister."
He nodded. He'd already assigned guards to watch her night and day, hadn't he?
