Page 30 of The Queen's Line

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Page 30 of The Queen's Line

His lips twitched again. "I might."

"Aric, I trust your judgment. I feel as though I've made that clear," I said, straightening in my seat.

His expression sobered, and his eyes narrowed in a suspicion I hadn't expected. "Princess, you are sitting across from the King of Thieves. Trust isn't something I'd recommend we share between us."

I held myself still, resisting the urge to flinch. "Why did you want your crown, Aric? For wealth?" I glanced around the room where everything inside looked used and worn. "I doubt it. You can hate the crown I'm after, but I think you know my motivations are the same as yours. I want to help Kimmery. I don't want you to have to try and fix the balance on your own at the risk of being arrested. I'm sorry I didn't realize before this week what being queen would really mean, everything that needs changed, but we're on the same side now."

I stood, and Aric's eyes remained lowered. "You'll find me a hunter?" I asked.

He was quiet for a long time, and I wondered if I'd pushed him a little too far with my speech until he dipped his head once in a nod and finally met my eyes again. "I'll bring them to the palace to meet you."

"Thank you." I turned and headed for the exit, deciding I'd had enough of our brand of conflict for today.

"Bryony."

Perhaps he will apologize and we can be friends again. Were we ever friends?

I spun, knowing my smile had brightened at his call and feeling it falter at his stern stare.

"Don't come back here unless I call for you," he said.

I bit down on my tongue and stormed back down the tunnel and into the dismal bar.

10

Bryony

Cosmo combed his fingers through my hair as I sat on the bed with my back to him, Owen stretched out at our side.

"So your day was fruitful, and ours was as well," Owen said as Cosmo began to make a braid.

We'd arrived back to the palace after dark, and I could feel the evidence of so many days riding in the carriage wearing on me, my head starting to pound as I sipped our wine over a hasty dinner. Thao and Wendell had already left us for the suite next door and I had my remaining two Chosen in bed, for all that I would really do with them.

You might do alittlemore with Owen if you liked, a wicked voice in my thoughts offered.

"How does Thao seem to be adjusting?" I asked, wondering what a prince from the southern islands might think of the northern end of Kimmery.

"Mm, he's a bit high, isn't he?" Owen asked, and Cosmo stifled a laugh at the understatement. "But I think I might've won him over a touch by the end of the day. Or worn him down."

I smiled and stretched my hand back until Owen's fingers caught mine and squeezed gently.

"We found a number of bedrooms. They were a little dusty, but the maid said she'd have them ready by tonight if you'd rather sleep alone," Owen said, words softening as he went. "Oh, and I made friends with a family of raccoons and introduced them to some better hiding spots outside, but they'll probably try and return."

Cosmos fingers stilled in my hair briefly and then tied off the end of my braid with a ribbon. I mulled over Owen's offer, fingers twisting in my lap.

"Is it…is it difficult for you to lie next to me? Be honest," I rushed to add. "I know a little of these things, and I…"

I'm aware you were both more than willing to have sex with me days ago, if I'd been prepared.

Cosmo touched my shoulder, guiding me to twist to meet his gaze. He leaned forward and paused, and then leaned in again until our noses were only an inch apart, his eyes flicking back and forth over mine, waiting. I lifted my chin and Cosmo smiled, dipping his head and pressing a soft, brief kiss against my lips. He pulled away quickly and I waited a moment, considering myself.

There wasn't the same hammering anticipation and craving I'd had this morning with Owen, but my lips tingled and my cheeks grew warm. I liked the kiss, even if I wasn't waiting for another.

"I'm happy to sleep in your bed if you like the company. I'm happy to sleep in my own too," Cosmo said. Which didn't mean he didn't find it uncomfortable, I noticed. "If you ever desired more than friendship and a kiss between us, you'd have it," he added grinning.

"I prefer your bed," Owen said, his own smile bright.

I laughed and shook off the buzzing tension in my veins, Cosmo sliding out of my way so I could fall back into the pillows.




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