With a forceful shove, he jumped in front of me. I didn’t ask him to and I’ve never pretended to be helpless where I’ve needed somebody else to protect me. He toppled on my legs and rolled on his back with a bolt sticking from his chest.

“Bastard,” I growled at the attacker.

The room burst into chaos and someone yelled, “Finish the job!”

“Arrest that man!”

“To arms! Defend the duke!” a nobleman shouted.

I scurried out from under the ...