~ ZARA ~
I hugged myself, doing my best not to cry because it all just felt like too much for David, and all I wanted to do was stand behind him, hold his hand, offer my strength and support so he'd know he wasn't alone. But it was also so clear that what he needed right now was the freedom to act and speak without any more pressures.
My head was spinning with all the people who could be planning to hurt him. I couldn't imagine what he was feeling, knowing that when he walked into the Palace today, not only would they expect him to marry Lizbeth, but they might actually hurt him if he didn't.
And yet, here he was, plowing forward.
For a moment I was breathless with admiration for him. For his willingness to keep going when life was so dangerous and heartbreaking.
"You're amazing," I breathed.
He turned to face me, staring at me like he wasn't sure what I was saying. I swallowed.
