Chapter 85: Duty, Part 1
He expected Telmé or Korin to stop him, but Kristof made it all the way back to the castle without impediment. Unfortunately, he had neglected to recall the castle was a maze. He stopped at the top of the only stairs he recognized, feeling wretched. The very last thing he needed right then was to get hopelessly lost. He could not take many more blows to his pride.
"Well, well, the Fragile Paladin in awake."
Kristof stiffened as that hated voice washed over him. He slowly turned his head and looked down as Håkon stepped into view. "The Piskie Prince, just who I wanted to see upon waking."
"How fortunate for you, then, though I am surprised the priests trusted you to your own devices. We cannot have our precious little duke collapsing again."
"Never fear, dear princeling, I am fit enough to recite my wedding vows."
Håkon gave a sharp-edged, sneering laugh. "I doubt you could swallow your pride long enough to lower yourself."