Page 58 of Romanced By the Orc

“He has given us no reason not to trust him,” Albion said lightly. It wasn’t the first time Dunc had griped about their cousin’s antics. “And he has already assisted with communications.”

“Regardless, I will not encourage this folly,” Duncan said. “Travel conditions between here and the continent have deteriorated, and the reward for the Benevolent Phantom has undoubtedly brought out the worst in people. Cousin Hugh is not exactly known for the fine company he keeps. Who knows what rogues and cutthroats you may face? And that’s assuming you step one foot in Chamberly.”

“I’ll secure a passage of travel from the Crown. Prinny owes me a favor.”

“Prinny?” Duncan cocked his eyebrow, a mannerism they’d both inherited from their father.

“His Royal Highness, that is.”

“You haven’t any extralegal business in Chamberly I should know about, do you?”

Dunc may have been a grouse, but he was no fool. He might already know Albion’s secret. Albion wished the past version of himself had been more forthright with his brother. The longer he waited, the more daunting the prospect of revealing the truth became.

“Since you are so close toPrinny, what need have you for my blessing, anyway?” Dunc added.

Albion pushed his plate aside and folded his hands before him on the table. He dipped his head slightly. Though younger, he’d always been the taller of the brothers.

“The Prince Regent will assure me of safe passage across the border to Chamberly and back. I am embarking on this trip because Daisy’s sister is there.”

His brother’s grouchy disposition rattled. “How on earth did that happen?”

“Lillian Stewart is undertaking honorable work in Chamberly and deserves the support of the Hidden Realm. Implicitly, if nothing else.”

“What kind of work?”

“She accompanied the good Sisters of Benevolence on their latest errand of mercy. It is a noble gesture, but a treacherous situation. I am duty-bound to assure she is safe.”

Duncan tapped his silver-tipped walking stick against the club’s marble floors. “Had I known, I would have paid a call on Lillian Stewart myself and begged her not to go. Better yet, I would have asked Iris to do so on my behalf as she is most persuasive. ”

“For all her many charms, I doubt Iris would have succeeded on that front. Lillian has a kind heart. Daisy has always said so. Committed to good works and all that. Apparently, she wishes to become a nurse.”

“A daughter of a peer wishes this?”

Faced with Duncan’s incredulous tone, Albion gave a patient smile. Deep down, he was not in complete disagreement with his brother about the curious customs of the humanton. They harbored a peculiar fixation on etiquette and an odd aversion to anything resembling genuine interactions, particularly between unmarried ladies and gentlemen.

But every land had its share of “curious” customs, including their own.

“Surely you have learned that human women can be as impressive as our Orcan ladies. Iris has taught you as much, has she not?”

“Well,” Dunc grumbled through a dark Orcan blush. “I suppose so. But then Iris has made her way in Society on her terms, having not hailed from an ennobled family.”

“Hailing from an ennobled family does not mean one can’t forge a unique path,” Albion said. “Daisy wishes to fight for an embargo. Lillian is providing her talents to serve those less fortunate.”

After a full minute passed, and his brother did nothing more than push his peas around his plate, Albie felt reassured.

“Your desire to help your sister-in-law is commendable,” Dunc intoned.

Albion raised his eyebrows at that, compliments from his brother being a precious commodity. And all the more valued for it.

“Still, you can help her from these shores,” Duncan continued. “From the safety of London. I am only left to wonder at your father-in-law’s hubris in allowing his daughter to embark on such a trip.”

Albion’s fists clenched. He had met Tobias Stewart once when he asked for Daisy’s hand, per the English custom. Lord Mercer could barely meet his eye but had been most intrigued by his material assets. Was it any wonder that he sent one daughter over the ocean and allowed another to work in such a dangerous place?

But it wouldn’t do to speak ill of his in-laws. “The family is traditional in some ways and unorthodox in others. I will allow for the possibility her father thought a journey with an altruistic aim acceptable.”

“A journey to a zone of conflict? It’s hardly a charitable bazaar or some such. And now you intend to follow her into this peril? It is not safe for you either, brother. You place yourself in grave danger.”

Dunc was trying to protect him as he had always done. How could Albion convince his brother he no longer needed protecting now that he was a full-grown man?

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