Page 134 of Twin Crowns

Wren knew she could feel it, too.

50

Rose

In all the ways Rose had imagined her coronation day, she had never pictured it like this.

High up in the east tower of Anadawn, she stood side by side with her sister as they gazed at their reflections in the mirror. Rose’s hair was piled in decadent curls that had been pinned away from her face with bejeweled hairpins. She wore a magnificent pale gold ballgown trimmed in delicate filigree and finished with a generous train. Wren had left her hair long and loose and had chosen a slender satin gown of emerald green.

Together, they shone green and gold—the colors of Eana.

“I still don’t see why I couldn’t just wear my trousers,” said Wren as she rubbed blush on her cheeks. “They’re far more comfortable than any dress.”

Rose wrinkled her nose as she adjusted her skirts. “Because this is ourcoronation, Wren. It’s our chance to show the people of Eana that we’re going to take our duties seriously, that they can trust us to lead them. And since your trousers are practically moldy, they present a thoroughly unsuitable impression.”

Wren pouted. “Can’t I at least have a ceremonial sword?”

“We’ve already given the goldsmith a headache making your crown,” Rose reminded her. “The poor man was up all night. I’m afraid your new weapon will have to wait.”

Wren stuck out her tongue.

Rose sighed as she shook her head. How had Wren ever fooledanybodyinto thinking she was Rose? Her sister had the worst manners, and she told thebawdiestjokes, which were enough to make even the sternest palace guard blush. Even now, in her anger and grief, Wren was smiling at Rose in the mirror. Setting her at ease, as though she could sense her nerves.

Elske whined as she pushed her face between them, staring at herself in the mirror.

Wren scratched behind the wolf’s ears. “Maybe you aren’t the vainest one in this tower after all, Rose.”

Rose eyed the wolf warily. “I still don’t understand why you have to take hereverywherewith you.”

“Because she’s a princess, too,” said Wren fondly. “And I have to take good care of her until...” She trailed off, but Rose knew she was picturing those gray-sailed ships in her mind, the lone soldier standing out on deck. Without his wolf. Without her. Wren was already thinking about what lay beyond tomorrow, beyond the Sunless Sea.

There was a knock at the door.

Shen stepped inside, limping a little on his left foot. Rose had offered to heal his ankle twice since the explosion, but the warrior had refused her both times, insisting a natural recovery was better for his pride. Rose suspected he was rather more concerned about her energyafter how much she had used on Wren’s wounds, but she hadn’t pressed the matter.

His gaze found hers in the mirror. She looked away. She couldn’t allow her pesky feelings to get in the way of duty today. With the witches of Ortha attending the same ceremony as the highest-ranking members of the Anadawn court, she couldn’t afford a lapse in her attention. Even if the banditdidlook particularly handsome in a billowing white shirt, clean boots, and dark trousers.

“Nice outfit, Shen,” said Wren, reading her sister’s thoughts. “Do you want to swap?”

“I’m not sure green is my color,” said Shen, but he was still looking at Rose. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” said Wren.

“I was talking to your sister.”

“We have the same face.”

“And yet you couldn’t be more different.”

Rose adjusted a curl in the mirror to find something to do with her hands. Her thoughts.

Wren snorted. “Stop staring at her like that, Shen. If she goes any redder, she’ll burst into flames.”

He cleared his throat. “Are you two almost ready? I can’t say I ever thought I’d be escorting two queens to their coronation.” A pause, then he continued, “Or any queens at all, come to think of it.”

“Hopefully, now you’ll treat me with some proper respect,” said Rose primly.

Shen flashed his dimple. “As much as you like, Your Highness.”

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