"I'll be attending. As your fiancé. Publicly." His voice was firm. "And I'll be making it very clear that any threat to you is a threat to me. That should deter most assassination attempts."
"Most. Not all."
"No. The Emperor's test will still proceed. Ten thousand gold attracts contractors who don't care about consequences." Duke Romian paused. "But having me there publicly allied with you will reduce the threat level substantially."
Elara processed this. He was right. Most professional assassins would refuse a contract once Duke Romian's protection became public. Only the most skilled or most desperate would still attempt it.
That narrowed the field significantly.
"Thank you," she said.
"Don't thank me. It's strategic self-interest. You're now my fiancée. Letting you get killed would reflect poorly on my protective capabilities."
"Still. The gesture is appreciated."
