Page 62 of Measure of the Stars

“Mother, be silent,” Leo said.“You’re the last person to talk about what Delauney does or doesn’t understand.You barelyknowhim.”

“We know what’s best for him,” Delauney’s father said.He turned to Sabre.“With respect, your grace, you don’t yet understand the duties of fatherhood.When you have a child of your own, you’ll learn.It’s our job to guide them.To protect them.”

“And my job is to protect the realm,” Sabre interrupted.“Right now, you are an obstacle in that task.Do you wish tocontinueto be an obstacle, Lord de Mazet?”

Delauney’s father sank into his seat, obviously disturbed at having to obey a submissive.Leo’s face was a worrying red.Leo was a man who prided himself on his comportment and dignity.It was just his luck, Delauney supposed, to be burdened with parents incapable of not making a spectacle.

Sabre turned to address Wes.“You’re the injured party in this.If there is something you require of the crown, you may ask.”

“Is this in return for my silence?”Wes asked.

“Consider it a sign of the crown’s faith in you,” Sabre said.

“So a bribe,” Wes insisted.Ferrin looked like he wanted to bash his head against the wall in frustration.“To prevent me from causing another one of those incidents.”

Sabre smiled.“Your discretion would be appreciated, yes.”

“Then keep your favor,” Wes said.

Sabre drummed his fingers on the table.“An inquiry into the de Mazet household will need to be made, regardless.I will require the use of your accountants, clerks, and a list of your servants.”

“Oh, we have no idea where we keep all of those,” Delauney’s mother said.

“I have all of them,” Leo said.“I’ll happily comply with the crown’s request.”

Sabre’s smile went thin.“Thank you.Depending on our findings, it may be advisable to pass the title of Marquis to the next in line.If you are willing of course.”

Leo bowed, blushing to his ears.

“I have a request,” Delauney said quickly.“Not in return for anyone’s silence, but...Wes’ contract with the navy.Could you relinquish it?”

“That should be easy enough,” Sabre said.“As a gift for your service to the realm.”

Wes didn’t look convinced, but he settled back in his chair.

“And a sizable pension,” Delauney added.

“Done,” Sabre said.“I’ll need another moment to speak to the de Mazets in private, if you please.Leonide, Delauney, Wesley...you may leave us.”

Delauney rose quickly, helping Wes to his feet.Wes turned to look at Ferrin.

“Wait for me,” Ferrin said softly.Wes nodded, which gave Delauney a slight stirring of hope.Perhapsonefamily would come out of this intact.

Leo groaned as the door shut behind them, leaving their parents inside with the king and his makeshift council.“Why must theydothis to us?”He approached Wes, his blush spreading to his neck and chest.“Iamdreadfully sorry.”

“You didn’t send those guards after me,” Wes said.

“Yes, but I pay their salaries.”Leo ran a hand through his hair.“What a disaster.If you need anything from us, write to me directly.Speaking of letters, though...Delauney.I spoke to our parents during our journey here.Something Mother said at the ball was bothering me.”

“Which part?”Delauney asked.

“What she said about you attending university,” Leo said.He blushed again, angry red blotches blooming on his cheeks.“Delauney.When you applied to the Aviary as a lad...They accepted you into one of their sister schools.Mother forged a rejection letter before you could see the real one.She thought she was doing you a favor, if you can believe it.”

Delauney barely moved in time, intercepting Wes as he marched toward the study door.He grabbed him in a rough embrace, holding Wes back with the weight of his body.

“I’ll fuckingthrottlethem,” Wes hissed in Delauney’s ear.

“Please don’t kill my parents in front of the king,” Delauney begged.