The Rose's Temptation 3

Gryn's eyes shifted slightly as he studied the tense-faced Dick. Smiling, he said, "Yes. I'm glad you noticed that."

A dry swallowing sound came from Dick's throat, his voice trembling slightly. "What... should I do?"

As House Crabb's bastard, Dick had been the one Gryn personally lifted from the dust. Not only had he granted him lands and the title of duke, he had also made him one of the royal family.

He could only repay such grace with his loyalty.

Gryn first gestured for Dick to drink, then slowly spoke. "Duke Dick, aside from me, you are the only male of House Crabb. There are certain responsibilities and obligations you must shoulder."

"And."

Lifting his wine cup and gently swirling it, Gryn looked at Dick over its rim. "You must be brave, and you must have absolute trust in me."

Feeling somewhat suffocated, Duke Dick could not help wiping the cold sweat from his brow.

Meeting the house head's eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through his soul, he spoke in a hoarse but resolute voice. "My loyalty to you... and to the house will never waver."

As he spoke, he licked his lips and solemnly added, "Even if it costs me my life, I will prove my loyalty. I swear it before the Old and New Gods."

After a pause, Gryn gave a slight nod. "Very good."

He slowly turned his wine cup, watching the crimson liquid within. "Mercy alone cannot rule a kingdom well. As time passes, more and more people will 'remember' that the Crabbs are merely half-wildling nobles from Crackclaw Point."

Is this something I'm allowed to hear?

Then, realizing what that meant, the veins at Dick's temples throbbed as sudden fury surged through him. "If not for you, they'd still be licking deer hooves