399 Ducks in a Row

~ DAVID ~

When Stark disappeared I turned back to my brother and sighed.

He'd turned to look at Emory. She was curled in on herself, her face in her hands, obviously struggling. Erik looked helpless and protective and all the things that I'd felt so many times for Zara in those early days…

Felt them even more now.

I knew what it felt like when you were in that place and it seemed like circumstances were set against you at every side.

With a silent prayer that she was being honest, that Zara and Erik's assessment of her was right, I tapped Erik on the shoulder.

He turned to me, his face set. "This is too much, too soon, David. She's been in the dungeon. She needs food and water and rest and—"

I raised a hand for peace, nodding.

"Give her all those things. Take her to your rooms. Keep her there, hidden. Do not reveal that she's with you, to anyone."