"Brother, where are you going?" Lara demanded, stepping into Bener's path and barring the corridor.
Bener halted, his jaw set. "Sister, I intend to fight for the woman I love. Shaya loves me—and I love her."
"I know," Lara said, lowering her voice but not her resolve. "But this is the Duke's manor. Use your head. You cannot simply storm into a lady's boudoir as if rules and reputation mean nothing." Her tone carried both reprimand and worry.
Bener exhaled sharply and looked away. Hadn't Alaric once climbed the windows of Helian Manor just to steal a glimpse of her, sneaking past their parents without a shred of propriety?Why, then, was it suddenly improper when he dared to follow his heart?
Before he could respond, Gideon's voice cut through the tension.
