"Look, I just don't want to see you get hurt." Janne's gaze reflected genuine concern.
"Thank you, but your worry on my behalf is unnecessary."
Janne frowned. "Holger said you told him the same thing."
"I have not discussed Miss Whitney-Jones with my brother."
"That's not what I meant. I was talking about that Lisette media scandal thing."
"There was no media scandal."
"Stop picking apart my words," she said with exasperation. "You told Holger he didn't have to worry about you then too."
"And he does not. I have been solely responsible for myself for many years now," Tor spelled out more precisely since she didn't seem to get the message the first time he'd said it.
"You make it sound like you've been on your own, but you have a father and brothers who care about you. You have me now, too."
"I did not say I have been on my own, but that I alone am responsible for myself. I am aware I have a family who cares, just as I care for you all. Okay?"
She nodded, but managed to look unconvinced.
He shook his head. Tor had no desire to get into his complicated relationship with is family.
So, he said, "You know I consider you a friend."
"I am glad."
"Friend, or not, I need you to butt out."
The Princess of Tapt Oyer did not look the least offended at his plain speech. Nor did she look like she had any intention of listening as her words confirmed. "Not going to happen, Tor. Blythe is my sister in every way that matters."
"I am aware."
"She supported me during the courtship and after I decided to marry your brother."
"And your point is?"
"Blythe might support me, but she's doesn't want to be me."
"Good. No one can live another person's life." And it would seriously suck if Blythe wanted to be married to a king.
Tor would never be anything but the prince he had been born.
"You know what I mean. She doesn't want to be a princess."
Tor was aware. Blythe had made it clear she didn't want any part of the false fairytale of being a modern day royal.
"And you do not want to be a queen, but I think that you will be one before my precious nephew celebrates his first birthday."
Janne glared at him. "Don't remind me."
"You married my brother. You knew it was a possibility," he said with no sympathy.
"He said he didn't want to make me queen."
"He changed his mind."
"Well, he can change it back."