It is one's duty to put forth the needs of ones Country before the needs of ones own.

~ Deveron ~

My jaw and fists were clenched in anger while my darkening mood clouded my judgement. How could he embarrass in front of father like that and to challenge our decisions to form an alliance with Italy?

I knew he was eager to stain his sword red although if Spain advances like they are threatening to, this blood bath would not be of the Spaniards it would be of our own men and women....

As I walked head down deep in thought I collided with a hard chest, stumbling back I met eyes with George Hartford. His red tinted beard was bushed out and his caterpillar eyebrows made his hazel eyes seem too small to fit his too large of face.

"Good morning sir," I said making a move to pass around him. I was in no mood to speak with this temperamental man.

"Where is he?" his loud voice sent an echo down the hall.

"Who ever are you speaking of George?" I voluntarily mocked him, it was not Bass's nor my fault that the man could not control his fiancee.

"Your brother," he snapped stepping closer.

I held my ground, meeting his eyes evenly. Even in my bitterness towards Bass, I would not sell him out to the devil himself.

George noticed my silence taking it as a yes I was aware of Bass's whereabouts, "Think wisely of this Deveron, you will not want to make an enemy out of me."

A small smile crept onto my lips, "You dare threaten me? I will not be looked down upon by the likes of you, so you will do well to stay away from my brother or I will be showing you just how much power I can control."

He blinked a few times before taking a step backwards leaving space between us. "Why do you protect someone who is as worthless as a peasant?"

Heat flushed up into my face and my eyes narrowed. I reached out gripping the front of his shirt throwing him back against the stone wall. He let out a surprised gasp his mouth gaped.

"Listen here you overbearing pompous. Utter one more word about my brother and I'll personally cut out your tongue." I hissed the threat without thinking stepping away from him as a guard came making his rounds.

George was frozen by my behavior still leaning back against the wall. I walked back toward my room stopping at my name.

"Deveron?" it was my mothers voice from behind me.

"Yes, mother?"

"I just received word that Quintessa Sinclair will be arriving in an hours time."

I raised my eyebrows, "So soon? We were not even expecting her until after the Hartfords wedding...."

My mother made a disgusted face, "Yet she is almost here. Tell me Deveron, why has Sebastian been acting - off lately?"

"Off? Hmm, I didn't exactly notice mother... why?"

"Oh just a question Deveron, now go fetch Elizabeth from the gardens I want her ready."

I nodded as I started to walk away.

"And Deveron, stay out of Sebastian's business with the Hartfords. It isn't your concern."

Her tone seemed hard and demanding. She stared at me awaiting my answer so nodding I kept walking, now I had to ready Elizabeth? I was not a delivery boy.

Why does my mouth feel dry? What is wrong with my hands? I looked down at my sweaty palms wiping them onto my pants as I came to the gardens entrance. I could not possibly be nervous about Quinn's arrival could I?

"Little sister?" I called out roaming around the paths and cut shrubby.

"Big brother," her voice answered me from somewhere up ahead.

Quickly I walked around the paths that led to the water fountain. I should of known she would be there, everyday she goes to make a wish by tossing in a pebble.

"Elizabeth," I said softly half smiling seeing her blonde hair in one pile of curls. "Mother sent me to tell you to get ready, love."

She jumped down off the fountains edge smiling up at me, "I want to play a game."

"Let us play the game where you go and get ready, hmm?" I bent down to be eye level with her letting my gaze catch someone looking around the wall of shrubs behind her. "Go on now."

I ushered her along before approaching the shrubs where I had seen a figure. A tap on my shoulder startled me and the light laugh was one I knew from a long time friend.

"Avanna?" I turned smiling pulling her into a hug.

"Hello Deveron," she wrapped her arms around my neck hugging me tightly. "Still being the better brother to your little sister I see."

I pulled away looking at her, "You look great darling."

"Me, what about you? You're the future King and are not the short little long haired boy anymore."

"My mother never mentioned you coming."

She nodded taking hold of one of my hands leading us over to the fountains edge sitting down, "I know that Quintessa is arriving."

I knew the two use to be best of friends at the age of six until Quinn's father and my own said she was my betrothed to form a future alliance with Italy. Ever since then Avanna had been bitter and tried even harder to gain my attention.

"Yes she's arriving this afternoon in time for tonight's wedding."

"Oh joy," she rolled her eyes sighing loudly. "And where is your handsome brother might I add?"

"Surely you do not mean Bass..." I felt a flicker of jealousy light inside me burning at the thought of her and my brother together.

She nudged me playfully, "Relax Deveron, it has always been you."

"Why have you come back love?"

"Because," she looked down entwining her fingers with mine. "I want to be with you."

"Avanna I am to be married only in time."

"I know... and that is why if I can not be your wife I want to be your mistress."

I was taken aback by her offer, "I am flattered love, but I - I can not give you an answer.... My father would need to approve and then how would Quinn feel ab-"

"You will be a king Deveron, where a queens wishes mean nothing. I am offering myself to you because I know you love me."

No words could be met with her commands and disgusted by my lack of emotion she pulled her hand away standing up.

"Avanna..." I stood as well not wanting her to leave angry, because I did want to please her.

Her eyes narrowed when I reached out trying to grab hold of her hand again. I was not expecting the open palmed hand to be hit across my cheek leaving a stinging sensation that spread quickly.

Dazed by her reaction I held a hand to my cheek and watched her storm off through the maze of the garden. Woman... I thought dryly.