~ STARK ~
David was staring. I found myself babbling.
"As you move ahead in this plan, the attention of the people will shift more and more to you, David. I will never shirk my duties, but… but the danger…" I felt Hildie tense next to me and prayed she hadn't changed her mind. "I wish to have Hildie close as much as possible, for both our sakes. Not to ignore duty, but to serve… together."
David turned to Hildie with a pointed look.
"Stark speaks for both of you? Or do you have thoughts of your own? My own wife has made it very clear to me that my mind is not always hers. Do you have anything you want to offer to this conversation?"
Hildie snorted, but I felt her shiver and prayed that she knew I wasn't trying to coerce her into this. I only felt the urgency of impending duty and—
