Page 27 of While Angels Slept
“There are no enemies during this time. There is only survival.”
“They killed Brac!”
Fortunately, Tevin was not quick to anger. He never had been. He understood Myles’ distress. “What would you suggest I do?”
“Resist him,” Myles snapped. “Support the true empress and deny the usurper.”
Tevin paused in thought. “Let me ask you something, de Lohr, and be honest. If you were in my position, heir apparent to the earldom of East Anglia, and owing all of your power and wealth to the man, would you so easily create a battle that cannot be won?”
Myles stopped pacing. He looked at Tevin, knowing there was some truth to his words but still angered over the changing of tides. He ran his fingers through his blond hair. “You do not know that. You command fifteen hundred men.”
“And East Anglia commands three or four times that. I could not win this battle, Myles. It would be a futile gesture and a lost cause.”
“So you support his change in loyalties without question?”
“Without question.”
“Why would you do this?”
“When you are in a position of power during these evil times, you will understand.”
Myles shut his mouth. He had nothing more to say. With a lingeringglance, Tevin turned back to his men. He noted the varying expressions, some supportive, some doubtful. Val sat in a padded chair to support her healing ribs, her expression somewhat veiled. She would do whatever her brother commanded, but he could see that she was distressed.
“Lord East Anglia should be here in a few days,” Tevin said with some resignation in his voice. “We must show him all of the support he requires. I do not know what he will demand of me, but we must be ready.”
The knights of his corps merely nodded. They did as they were told. Myles didn’t reply, but he didn’t protest, either. When Tevin dismissed his men to go about their business, Myles was the last man from the room. Tevin called after him.
“I trust that I have your loyalty, de Lohr,” he said quietly. “If not, then you and I have more to discuss.”
Myles’ gaze move from Tevin to Val and back again. After a moment, he shook his head, perhaps understanding more of Tevin’s position than he let on. “You have always had my loyalty, my lord,” he said. “I suppose I fear for Lady Penden’s reaction when she realizes that her husband died in vain. Had we received this news a month ago, there would have been no bridge to retake. Brac would still be with us.”
“Life is full of choices and what could have been,” Tevin replied. “And I would appreciate it if you would not stress that point to the lady. It will do her no good to anguish over something that cannot be changed.”
Myles nodded and left the solar, leaving Tevin and Val sitting alone. Val watched her brother’s tense brow.
“You are displeased,” she said knowingly.
He shrugged. “I am always displeased when Geoff comes around. Surely a more immoral man has never existed.”
“Keep Cantia away from him,” Val said. “He has no control when it comes to women. I am afraid what he will do when he sees her. And I fear what you will do should he touch her.”
His head snapped in her direction, the dark eyes piercing. “What do you mean?”
Val shook her head. “Do not pretend with me, brother. It is of no use. I see how you look at her. I know your thoughts, though I must say that I am surprised. I thought you well beyond any lady’s charms.”
Tevin was fully prepared to protest but thought better of it. Val wasn’t an idiot. And she wasn’t judgmental, either. With a sigh, he sat in the nearest chair, easing his massive body down wearily. He knew he could confide in her and it would go no further. He felt the sudden need to do so.
“I thought myself well beyond that, too, but it seems I was wrong,” he muttered. “I’ve tried to tell myself how wrong it is, how inappropriate my thoughts are, but it does no good. I see the woman and feel myself turn to putty.”
Val smiled sadly. “I know. I’ve seen it.”
“Has anyone else?”
“I doubt it. Your knights are not as intuitive as I am.” Her gaze lingered on him a moment. “Have you told her how you feel?”
He snorted. “Aye, I have.”
“How did she react?”
