The note written on the piece of paper identified the commoner as Sebastian Legrand, Gerald Black’s partner. Gerald had to be Rhiane’s brother. It was unusual that her living relatives would ignore the palace’s summons, and yet a person who was not related by blood was willing to risk his freedom and ultimately his life for her. It was noble, but Luke knew better than trusting that the earth was still capable of producing a noble human being. This Sebastian definitely had his own reasons for sticking his neck out for the farmer girl. It could be that out of the remaining Black family, he was the only person smart enough to figure out that if Rhiane died before she and the crown prince got married, none of them would enjoy the benefits of being upgraded to noble status. Therefore, what he was saying could be genuine information from somebody who was a member of the resistance. 

Luke was silent even after Sebastian had finished stating his purpose. Assassination attempts were nothing new to the royal family, and their ancestors before them. It was precisely because of these events that very strict security measures were employed in the palace and whenever any of the royalties were out in the world. Luke was no stranger to attempts to his life, though fortunately none had succeeded yet. Rhiane’s case was a near miss that could have been prevented if he had been paying more attention to her needs. But the circumstances had changed, the original schedule composed of the immunization to poisons, lessons on etiquette, dancing, poise, and public speaking were all pushed back in favor for the grand tour aiming to make the crown’s name more pleasant to its people.

“Do you understand that you are confessing your ties to the resistance to a person with the authority to order an arrest?” Rhiane was a smart girl. If she and Sebastian did get along well, then Luke thought the former ought to be smart as well. He probably knew what he was getting into, but perhaps the benefits outweighed the cost. 

“Sebastian Legrand,” the crown prince read the name scribbled on the piece of paper for emphasis. “Rhiane did mention that the rebellion has its presence in her home town, and she did claim to know people who are involved. I can offer you amnesty in exchange for further information. Do you have access to the faction of the rebellion which you claim wanted Rhiane dead or are all of these just rumors you hear from your neighbors?”

The involvement of the rebellion was not unlikely and the reasoning was even sound. If anything happened to Rhiane while she was princess elect, it would reflect badly on both himself and his mother. According to Luce, the common people loved the Rhiane Black, because they could relate to her. She was somebody who was born to inherit her parent’s hard life, but then she overcame the curse of poverty and ascended in rank to princess. He could only imagine how much the rebellion would exploit the opportunity should the royal family fail to protect the commoner. 

“But you don’t have to worry about her.” His voice softened a little. “She will be safe as long as she is with me. Today was a mistake, but we will be more careful. Would you like to speak to her?”