Berenger was shaking his head. ‘Ancel, I’m not poor now. But if the Prince fails—’

‘If he fails,’ said Ancel. He was stepping into Berenger’s space. He put his hand on the laces of Berenger’s jacket, and Berenger didn’t move away. ‘But if he wins?’

‘Do you even like horses?’
‘I can’t read,’ said Ancel.
‘I see,’ said Berenger.

‘When I saw you in the ring, I thought you were incredible. You were fearless, powerful. You took on every lord in the room, and beat them. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.’
‘You want me, too,’ said Ancel.
‘Ancel—’
‘When we kissed, you—’
‘Yes.’