Chapter 41

I blinked in disbelief at what John was saying, I remembered the young boy who had surprised us that first night in the castle, I remembered the determination in his youthful gaze, and the way he seemed disobedient by nature.

Even though he was tall and muscular, his boyish look gave away his youth, I pictured him alone in the search for his friend, and though I didn't know him that well my heart squeezed.

I remembered the pained, desolate expression of Henry, his brother.

And I realized something, he wanted to ask me something.

I looked at John, still sitting on the floor, his face buried in his knees.

— John?

He lifted his head to look at me.

— What did Henry want to ask me?

John looked away from me to the wall behind me, his gaze seeming in a trance, so I pressed the question one more time.

He stood up abruptly and ran his hands through his hair impatiently.

— John, answer me. — I insisted.

He turned to m