Emrys’ brow furrowed, and he glanced at Lila. He knew, but he didn’t know she knew. “If he has Clarent -”

“Fetch the horses and find some way to hoist me up,” Arthur said.

Emrys sighed. “My Liege -”

“I must lead my men.”

Emrys bobbed his head and ducked away. Hengroen shied from him. Lila went to help, but Arthur’s hand on her wrist stopped her.

“Lady Lila,” he said, and his words were short, pained. “You have been a loyal warrior. I cannot find the words to convey my -”

“No need,” she said. “You have to win this battle.” She knelt beside him, eased an arm around his shoulders. “Let me help you stand.”

“I suspect,” Arthur said, “that you are stronger than Emrys.”

Lila tugged him upward, grunted at the weight of him. “Perhaps not.”

“Lila,” Arthur said.

Something in his voice made her pause. “My Lord?”

He kissed her.

Her heart stopped, her head spun. And then she wrenched herself back.

“Your queen! How could you -”

His blue eyes were haunted. “I know her heart is not mine alone.”