"I trust you have heard something of my brother. He fails to respect anyone but himself. He has no problem with bedding as many girls as he pleases. In this, he fails his obligations, to his lessers and his superior."

As though that were any different from his normal behavior.

"I have heard of your loyalty to your sister. It is my hope that this marriage will be a good one, and I entrust you to keep it running well. I know you desire nothing but your sister's good. Keep an eye on my brother."

It pained Caeling to be undermining his brother, even in such a small way. And to rely on a bastard! It was hard, and unpleasant, and just [i]wrong[/i]. It was necessary, though, for the good of the realm.

"What say you?"