Sebastian sighed at the questions posed to him. His eyes wandered back towards the corner of the building that obstructed his view of the SUV that contained his beloved sister-in-law, though legally they were not bound as family in any way, as Gerard had been reluctant to wed when he was unable to provide a proper ceremony. He appreciated that the crown prince was letting his fiancee sleep, as he could only imagine how exhausted she was from all her responsibilities, but he selfishly wished she'd wake soon so he have her companionship. They all missed her hugs, her chastising tirades, her cooking, her witty sense of humor, her shrewd commentary on their fellow villagers and the world at large. It was not until someone was pulled out of one's life that they could see the true value of the individual.

"Before she left for the contest she had a few marriage proposals," Sebastian began, crossing one leg over the other thoughtfully. He knew that Luke had a wealth of information at his fingertips, but there were many things that had not been observed and recorded, and which Rhiane would not disclose of her own volition. "Other farmers and merchants that were acquaintances made offers, but they weren't exactly... romantic. I don't think she's ever had anyone give her flowers. She's talked about growing roses, but the last bush she planted died. Of the ones she has been able to grow, she likes the peonies." It was the best advice he could give the royal. Because she had never wanted a relationship, and rebuffed anyone who showed the slightest bit of amorous interest, it was hard to exactly gauge what might help win her over now that she had entered in a formal political engagement.

"The rebellion is nervous about you and Rhi getting close. For those of them that want to make her into a martyr, they know it will be next to impossible to frame you and the queen if she becomes pregnant, as that's the goal of this arrangement. Many of them will refuse to kill her if there's a chance that she's carrying child since that is a boundary they are unwilling to cross morally. For those of them that want to turn her to their side, they know if she gets attached to you she'll be more reluctant to join their cause, and that becomes infinitely more complicated if she conceives. The world would be less sympathetic if they thought you were be kept from your own child." He fell quiet for a moment to let his words sink in for the other man. It was unlikely that the couple had been making these calculations when they shared a bed and sought out each other physically. The possibility of pregnancy had been ever-present, but he doubted they had anticipated how dramatically this changed their situation, and how permanently it would affect everything.

"If I can be frank with you," Sebastian said, glancing at the unfriendly face of Nolan, before looking at Luke directly, "I don't think the rebellion is interested in anyone except you, Rhi, and your mother. The people like Princess Callista, and they don't see your half-brothers as a threat. I don't know that it is possible to prevent them from getting to Rhi. I don't know who the insiders in the castle are, just that they are close, and they are growing more desperate to rescue her from you. It might not be a matter of stopping them from taking her, but asking yourself what she will do when it happens." He leaned back and contemplated the scenario himself. On broadcast the princess elect was charming, warm, and caring, but in private she was fearless and determined. Already he could imagine her giving the revolution's members a tongue lashing for their mishandling.

But no matter how much Luke might protest he could keep her secure, that he would not fail, that the rebellion would not have a victory over him, there was no guarantee his success would continue. Ultimately it would fall upon the sultry brunette to make the pivotal decision about to whom she owed an allegiance. "The rebellion's already sent Hubert anonymous offers to help him relocate, to give him the financial security that the queen's stipend provides," Sebastian admitted. "He's refused, but..." He shook his head. If the chief reason that Rhiane had volunteered herself as a candidate was removed, and her family was no longer a factor, it came down to feelings. She would either side with the revolution's ideals, their protection, their acceptance, their liberty, or she would side with Luke because she loved him, believed in change, and was willing to have a premature death while surrounded by sneering aristocrats. Sebastian was not bold enough to say it aloud, but the scales were not tipped in the favor of the monarchy.