Chapter 1040: Swap

"Doyle, calm down!" Besse's voice was sharp. She sensed his composure slipping. His eyes were bloodshot, fixed intently on her. Her words spurred him to regain control.

"Doyle, I know your thoughts. I'm willing to trade places with you; you're worth it."

"I'm not worth it! This is my fault; you shouldn't pay for me!" Doyle exclaimed. He could accept any consequence, except Besse's death.

"Listen," Besse interrupted, her unspoken anxieties palpable. She believed Doyle would understand, if he only listened. "As the Prince of Jolencami, your harm in Northfield would severely damage relations between our countries, and harm Northfield itself."

"I don't care about all that!" Doyle retorted fiercely. "The only person I care about is you."

"Me too! If you die, do you think I'll survive?!"

Tears welled in Doyle's eyes. As long as Besse lived, he'd do whatever Skye demanded.

"Doyle, if you die, I die with you."

"I can't live without you!" Tears streamed down his face.

"What a lovey-dovey pair! A touching scene of life-and-death separation, huh?" Skye sneered.

Besse turned to him. "Will you keep your word?"

"About what?"

"Release Doyle if I take his place."

"Sure," Skye said bluntly. "I only wanted him to experience what I went through—to feel that life is worse than death. I never intended to kill him. Sometimes, living is a hundred times more painful than death. Like me—I live like a zombie! Revenge is all that keeps me going!"

"Okay, I'll swap with Doyle."

"No!" Doyle protested vehemently.

"Doyle, calm down."

"No!"

"One of us will die—you or me. And if you die, I won't live. I know you wouldn't survive either if I died. But!" Besse's voice rose. "Forget our lives. This isn't about the Northfield commander. We can't involve Northfield in our feud. If you die here, how can Oscar explain it to your family? We can't be so selfish!"

Besse's reprimand silenced Doyle.

"I didn't expect Besse to be so righteous," Skye remarked sarcastically. "Doyle, a prince, you're not even as good as a woman!"

"Skye, enough! Enough!" Doyle broke down.

"Doyle!" Besse called out sharply. "If you don't want me to hate you, do as I say."

Doyle endured his pain silently.

Besse told Skye, "Release Doyle, and I'll come."

Skye nodded, laughing cruelly. "Okay, but if you try anything, my men will shoot him."

"I don't need reminding!" Besse gritted her teeth.

"Prince Doyle, the same to you. One false move, and you and Besse die."

Doyle glared at him.

"I'll count to three," Skye said, "then I'll release Doyle, and Besse can come forward."

Besse readily agreed.

"Wait," Oscar called out.

"Commander, further orders?" Skye was instantly alert.

"I want to speak with Besse."

"If you're planning..."

"Don't worry, Doyle's life matters most. I just want to ensure his safety."

"Afraid Besse will change her mind? Helping her prepare for anything?" Skye asked suspiciously.

Oscar moved to Besse's side. She knew he was buying time, for the snipers. He positioned himself between her and Skye, blocking Skye's view.

"They're ready. When you pass Doyle, they'll fire. Pull him down immediately!"

Besse nodded.

"I'll protect you," Oscar reassured her.

Besse looked at him, his familiar face offering no comfort. Her rejection of him was plain, today's events making it even more evident.

Oscar finished his instructions and left. Skye didn't know what they'd said, but he assumed Oscar valued Doyle's life above Besse's, and wouldn't act recklessly.

"Okay," Besse said. "I can come now."

Skye narrowed his eyes. "Three... two... one!"

The mercenaries released Doyle.

"Doyle!" Besse feared his impulsiveness might ruin their plan.

Doyle gritted his teeth, choosing to comply.

Besse watched him intently, urging him forward. Fortunately, Doyle always obeyed Besse. Or he would have chosen suicide over risking her life.

Besse walked nervously. The tension was palpable as they approached. Oscar's eyes never left them.

Finally, they met.