Josephine stopped at the bottom of the staircase, one hand on the banister, as if holding herself back. "You are not to blame for your father's deeds. You are unlike him in every way possible. I would not have been upset with you." She swallowed gently, diverting her gaze before glancing back up again. "Princess Josephine, do you trust this man? Even though he is the prince? He could easily turn you over to his father." "He wouldn't, I know this. I trust him with my life." "But I do not." Alyxander's gaze turned on Raoul. "If you dare play trickery with her or any of us, your life will be at swords-point." "Do not threaten him! He had done nothing to deserve such treatment."