Kerwin could already feel that becoming a Noble hadn't rid him of Caius's control. The vow he had sworn, that had been then asserted by Nyx's divine might, did not include any clauses that freed Kerwin by virtue of Noble Authority.
Even if Caius were to lose his title as Count, whatever authority Kerwin now held or would ever hold would remain subject to Caius's will.
There was a resignation in Kerwin's mind as he really, really gave this some deep thought while his head remained bowed, and as Caius watched him, he could tell what Kerwin was thinking.
Maybe it was because he had just had some practice in reaching into the minds of the Leopolds when he gave Meline and the others the order to go ahead with the stealthy cutting of Brogan's limbs. In any case, Caius found it very easy to make his way into Kerwin's mind and he got a taste of the Coven Leader's thoughts.
There was probably a conversation to be had about that but it couldn't be now.
