Page 77 of Cursed Crowns

“Grandmother Lu isreallythe one in charge here,” said Lei Fan with a wink. “She’s looked after us since we were children. Father only wears the crown for show.”

Feng glared at his daughter. “You seem determined to undermine me today, Lei Fan.”

Lei Fan grinned, revealing two neat rows of pearly teeth. “Someone has to keep you on your toes, Father.”

“Now someone will,” said Kai under his breath.

Feng’s frown deepened.

Shen wasn’t listening to them. He was too busy embracing his childhood nanny. “Grandmother Lu, you are exactly as I remember you. Tell me, do you still make the most delicious candied pears in the Sunkissed Kingdom?”

Grandmother Lu puffed up with pride. “Try all of Eana, boy. And, as a matter of fact, I do! Let’s go to the kitchens. I can make some for you now.”

“I’d like that,” said Shen eagerly. He looked to Feng. “If it’s all right with you, Uncle?”

“Shen Lo, you’re the crown prince!” cried Lei Fan. “You can have all the candied pears you like.”

Feng cleared his throat, summoning a tight smile. “I’d advise you not to eat too many. Save some room for your welcome banquet this evening.”

Shen clapped his hands in delight. “I’ve never had a welcome banquet before.”

Neither have I, thought Rose, hating the sourness she felt.

Shen linked arms with Grandmother Lu as they took off for the kitchens, leaning his head against hers to better hear what she was saying.

Rose watched him go, with a sinking feeling in her gut.

“Shen!” she called out before she could stop herself. He glanced over his shoulder and for a moment he looked at her like he’d never seen her before, like he didn’t know what she was doing here.

Rose cleared her throat, worrying her skirt between her fingers. She wanted him to invite her to the kitchens, not least because she wanted to sample the best candied pears in Eana, but mostly so she could feel like she fit into this new part of his life. Or, rather, this old part.

“Oh,” he said, frowning. “Lei Fan, can you find Rose a room to freshen up in? And she’ll want to change for dinner.”

“Yes, I’ll need a dress,” said Rose, pretending that was what she was after all along. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

Lei Fan pursed her lips, looking Rose up and down. “I don’t know if I have anything fit for a queen.”

“If it’s clean, it will be an improvement,” said Rose with a warm smile.

Lei Fan grinned, rising to the challenge. “In that case, come with me, Your Majesty.”

29

Wren

The day after Alarik had pulled Wren, sopping and shivering, from the lake at Grinstad Palace, he sent for her, just as he had promised. After breakfast, Wren was marched through the icy catacombs once more. The mountain creaked overhead, still trying to shake off the deluge of snow as the tunnels grew dark and narrow, winding ever deeper into the earth. And then Alarik was before her, his hands tucked idly behind his back. The king was dressed in black again, his bright eyes shining like diamonds in the dark. His wolves sat on either side of him, watching Wren approach with the same keenness.

“Any frostbite?” said Alarik by way of greeting.

Wren smiled tightly. “Who needs all their toes anyway?”

He surrendered a rare chuckle. “I trust you got my gift the other night.”

“Yes, thank you. I’ve always wanted a bouquet of dead mice.”

“And people say I’m not thoughtful.”

Wren snorted. “I can’t imagine why.”