Summary

In Chapter 9, “The Duchess's Warning,” Owen walks outside with Severn. Severn is preparing to leave. Owen is preparing to ask permission to marry Evie. Severn cuts him off before Owen can ask. Horwath is watching from a distance, and Horwath can tell that Owen did not ask. Evie is upset and says she should have gone with Owen. Owen and Evie go for a walk. As usual, Owen wishes for the privacy and the courage to kiss her, but he does not.

When Owen and Evie return to the castle, they find a lawyer with news that the king of Occitania has summoned the mayor of Averanche, the man who surrendered his town to Owen without a fight. The mayor asks if Owen plans to protect him. The lawyer is accompanied by a knight named Loudiac who says there are disputed lands between...