Page 121 of A Court Bright and Broken

“Then get me out of here tonight. I know you can find a way if you want to.”

And there was the problem. Ididn’twant to.

There was no doubt in my mind that if I smuggled Raewyn past the castle gates and watched her walk away, I’d never see her again.

She had lumped me into the same category as my father, and I needed more time to prove I was different—that she could trust me, that I’d do anything to protect her.

I needed time to make her fall for me the way I’d fallen for her.

She clearly wasn’t interested in hearing about myfeelingsat this moment, and she’d probably suspect me of lying anyway if I tried to express them.

What I’d told her earlier was true—Ihadopted not to sway her in the marketplace that day because I’d been reluctant to force her to do something against her will.

But now she was leaving me no choice.

Crossing the room to her, I came to a stop directly in front of Raewyn and looked down into her eyes.

Putting the full force of my Sway behind my words, I said, “You will stay in the palace under my protection. Youwillbe happy to be here… and not speak of leaving again.”

For a long moment, she stared back at me, her head cocked to one side. And then her eyebrows drew together, and the corners of her lovely mouth turned down.

“Please do not tell me you just attempted to use your Sway on me,” she said in anI dare youtone.

“What?” I managed to push the word past my lips, though it felt like there was no air in my lungs.

Raewyn’s hands came to rest on her hips.

“Your Sway—wasn’t that what you said it was called? You just gave me the same look you did at the Rough Market when I was trying to get you to leave me alone, and you were trying to change my mind. You just tried it again, didn’t you?”

My mouth opened but nothing came out. The words had been stolen by shock. I felt like a child who’d been caught purloining plum cakes from the kitchen before dinner.

And what could I say? She was right.

Why hadn’t it worked?

Why was she still standing there, giving me a look that would have pierced me through if it had been a dagger? It must have been the overdose of saol water she’d consumed tonight, giving her some immunity.

Raewyn shook her head, sounding deeply disappointed. Sad even.

“I can’t believe you. You tell me I’m safe with you, that I should trust you, and then you… you try to take away my free will? Like those poor girls in the retinue?”

“No, that’s not what I was doing, I—”

I cut myself off because really, thatwaswhat I’d tried to do. But I had good reasons. Itwasn’tsafe for her to leave now.

And I wasn’t sure how I’d manage to keep breathing if she did.

“You what?” she challenged.

“I…”

The answer came out of my mouth without forethought and certainly without my permission.

“I love you.”

I couldn’t quite believe I’d said it out loud. Now that it was out, though, I was glad. It felt like a heavy load had been suddenly plucked from my shoulders by the Grand Star itself.

“Youwhat?” Raewyn repeated herself, though her tone was different this time. It was harsher, nearly a shout.

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