Page 69 of Cursed Crowns
Over a hearty breakfast of porridge drizzled with honey and sprinkled with walnuts, Rose told Shen what had happened with the mirrors, and how she and Wren had switched places.
“I told you she’d be fine,” he said after weathering the news with surprising calm. “Although I’m offended she didn’t think to say hello to me while she was here. We’re supposed to be best friends.”
Rose wrinkled her nose. “I wouldn’t callpromising to bring back the dead brother of the iron-fisted king who wants to kill you‘fine,’ but at least she’s alive.”
Kai quirked a brow.
“What are you smirking at?” snapped Rose, catching his eye.
“You witch queens sure like to get yourselves into trouble.”
Rose’s nostrils flared. “I think you’ll find thatyouare the only trouble I’m currently dealing with.”
“I’ve been on my best behavior, Queenie,” said Kai. “But you’ve still got Barron and his Arrows to worry about. And a buried kingdom to find. Your sister’s off in Gevra dabbling in forbidden magic, and then, of course, there’s the question of who you’re going to marry if you want to ally yourself with a stronger nation before King Alarik openly declares war on—”
“That’s enough out of you,” interrupted Shen.
“One thing at a time,” said Rose. “Today we find the Sunkissed Kingdom.”
Kai held up his cup of untouched tea. “I’ll drink to that. Even if it is this hot horse piss you people are so fond of.”
Rose thanked the seers for their hospitality while Shen and Kai fetched the horses from the stables. Elske padded after her, staying close. Thewolf must have arrived late last night; Rose had found her in the stairwell outside her room before breakfast, her pale gaze trained on Kai’s door.
“I hope to see you all again,” said Rose, smiling at each seer in turn. “You are always welcome at Anadawn.”
Fathom took her hands in his own. Rose tensed, waiting for him to spout another dire warning, but his eyes remained warm, present. “Should you need anything else, now you know where to find us.”
“I trust you’ll see me coming,” said Rose.
“Of course,” said Pog with a grin. “And the wolf. I was right about her in the end.”
“Hush, Pog,” said Fathom. “No one likes a show-off.”
Meredia chuckled. “We hope you find what you’re looking for, Queen Rose.”
Rose unfurled the silver stole she’d taken from Grinstad Palace. She’d desperately wanted to keep it, but Shen had put his foot down. For one thing, it would be far too warm for the desert, and for another, it was much too conspicuous.Goodbye, sweet luxury,she thought as she held it out to Fathom. “I thought you might like to add this to your menagerie.”
“Ah, a silver ermine!” He took the stole and buried his face in it. “It’s just what I’ve been missing.”
Meredia and Pog exchanged a look, both of them stifling a giggle as Fathom tossed the fur around his shoulders and did a twirl.
“What was that you were saying about show-offs just now?” needled Meredia.
Fathom tickled her nose with the end of his stole. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”
“Do you have to take the wolf with you?” said Pog, crouching next to Elske to scratch behind her ears. “We’d take good care of her here, you know. I’ve always wanted a best friend.”
Fathom stopped twirling to scowl at the boy. “And what am I? An old boot?”
“I’d leave her with you if I could, Pog. The desert is no place for a Gevran wolf,” said Rose. “But I don’t think she’d stay. She’s very loyal.”
“Keep the wolf,” said Meredia. “The way ahead is fraught with danger.”
Rose swallowed thickly. “Do you mean the Arrows?”
“Barron. And others.” Meredia’s frown deepened as she studied Rose, her eyes darting as though she were tracing an invisible aura. “It is hazy.”
Rose wanted to ask more, but at that very moment, Shen and Kai arrived on their horses. Shen held his hand out to Rose, and she climbed up, settling herself in front of him. Elske leaped to her feet and howled, as if to say she was ready to go, too.