52

"No." Evander runs a hand over his curls. "It's forged. I'm sure Uncle Bes didn't do it himself, but he knows about it, and he didn't tell me. I don't know if he just didn't want to say it or he honestly didn't want me to know. But I know Despina's writing, and this isn't it. He's made it up, to make her look worse and me look better."

There's a pause, and you're not sure if Evander expects a response from you or not. "At first I was sure it was wrong," he says suddenly. "But after yesterday, seeing how she's let the defenses lapse…she could get people hurt, if things keep going the way they are. And I've thought more on what you said yesterday, about keeping us apart, and while I'd rather you'd found another time to mention it, I don't know that I doubt you entirely. Maybe it's better to make certain the nobles don't support her claim, whatever the cost." He drops his head into his hands. "But even thinking that feels like becoming exactly the thing I never wanted to be."

Next