The new flames flickering to life at the hearth blurred through the welling tears. “Stop it, Sam,” she whispered. “You’re doing exactly what Lor Zeria did. Using my love for my children against me.”
“Is the children I am trying to protect, Christa!” he rasped with vehemence. “I love them also. Bixten and Deele as much as Becca. Deele will nayat be safe at Cas LaRosse. Neither will you when King Kynneth learns you live.”
She turned her face to him. “King Kynneth?”
Sam gave a dubious grin. “Those at Brice do nayat speak well of the new Leader of Lors. Seems same has claimed the all-powerful title of King and does threaten battlement on any lor who might refuse him such. Where might he have heard of such a title, mine dearest Christa?”
She lowered her eyes. “I may have mentioned it.”