She wouldn’t lie to him. “He’s trying to get better.”
Tristan mumbled something in his sleep, startling her. The door opened, revealing him tied with the rope.
Rowan sucked in a sharp breath. “You tied him down.”
“Shush!” She slipped out of the bedroom and shut the door behind her.
“What are you doing to him?” His face transformed from that of a boy to that of an angry young man.
“He asked me to. I wasn’t sure, but it’s working. The rope prevents him from going to the fighting ring. He’s being very brave. Making this decision was incredibly difficult for him.”
Tears welled in his eyes. “I don’t understand.”
“He’s forcing himself to get better. It’s brutal, but he needs that. He wants to move on and leave that horrible habit behind. He’s doing it for himself, you, and me, and he needs our support. Without us, he won’t get better.”
“Even without me?”
“Especially without you.”
He wiped his tears quickly. “I didn’t treat him well in the past few days.”
“He loves you very much. What he’s doing proves that. I’m sure he understands why you behaved as you did.”
He lowered his gaze. “Is he angry with me?”
“Heavens, no.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “He’s angry with himself. Not you. Never you.”
For a long moment, he didn’t say anything, and she was worried he might not believe her.
He tilted his chin up. “When he wakes up, let me know. I would like to see him.”
She kissed his forehead. “Of course.”
