Noctisardor Bypass How would it ever get me by?

If not for her self-flagellation, Druid might’ve retorted to Anselm’s assertion. First of all, she’d caught them red-handed! Had he forgotten?! And if it wasn’t his intention to form a family with her sister—whatever Druid thought of it—then what was he doing with her? She knew what’s what Heda wanted. Was he only going to disappoint her, in far worse ways than Druid had feared?

But she said nothing, afraid of what might pour unbidden from her mouth next. What had she done? Just because Etienne was gone didn’t mean Druid should go shouting out his heartfelt secrets to everyone, especially not Anselm! Who knew what he might do with this information?

At his despairing question, she looked up sharply, their eyes meeting, to say, Please don’t tell him I told you that. He told me that in confidence. Judging by the look on his face, however, this was not a bell she could unring. Oh, gods, I’ve screwed up…