Did he close the door? No the lock was broken now, they would need to bar it. His mind traveled through several solutions to this problem, but all of them ended with his arrest. This didn’t matter to him because it was his duty to protect her. They would see that, wouldn’t they? No one needed to know she did this because they would vilify her for no reason, he was sure of it. Standing tall, he tried to carry her to the bath until she demanded he put her down.
Why? Why won’t you let me help you anymore?
Though hesitant, he obeyed the order and set her down on the stone floor. Sam only wanted to know she was okay and be positive she was safe. “Your grace?” he reverted to formalities whenever he was disappointed and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
It hadn't been her intention to push him away. But it seemed necessary lately. Beside him she still felt like a little girl, like his second-in-command. Cat stares at him for a moment before responding, "They'll blame it on you." It's clear from her tone of voice that the thought frightens her. They could sentence him to death if he was found guilty. "Hit me."
In the silence that follows, she realizes how ridiculous she sounds. She has to slow down, it wasn't like they shared a brain. Not at the moment anyway. Planting her feet firmly on the ground, she explains. "There isn't a scratch on me, they won't believe he attacked me." Taking one of his hands, she pulls him closer. She knew he loved her more than anyone else could, he was devoted to her down to his very core. This would probably be the hardest thing he's ever done. "Hit me," she repeats, making him look into her eyes. "This is what I need from you."









