"But I intend to break it," Sylvian insisted, his resolve unshaken. "Do you truly believe I am blind to the nature of the noble ladies in the capital?"
"You are not. I only offer this counsel because you know as well as I do how terrible your mother's temper can be," Damian advised gravely. "Do you truly think the Queen will ever give her blessing to a marriage with a woman who does not share the highest pedigree? She is the sovereign, Sylvian. If you choose this path, you must be prepared to fight her for it."
"You speak the truth. Let us simply hope that when I find love, it is worth the battle," Sylvian replied, a flicker of resilient hope in his eyes.
"Where is the Duke?"
The distinct voice echoed through the hall, drawing their attention toward the grand entrance where Louis now stood.
