Page 31 of Twin Crowns

“It’s fertilizer,” said Wren smoothly. “For my roses. How do you think they grow to be so fine?”

Tor stood up slowly. “But you had it with you last night. Down by the—”

“Tor?” Ansel ducked his head around the doorframe. “Is everything all right out there?”

“It appears Elske is a little restless,” said Wren, clutching the empty pouch to her chest. “I was just advising Tor to take her for a walk.” She turned around and scurried away, tossing her parting words over her shoulder. “After all, a little rain now and then is good for a soldier.”

12

Rose

Rose awoke, soaking wet, in Shen’s arms. For a heartbeat, everything was still. Almost peaceful... And then she remembered.

“Put me down, you... you... scoundrel! You witch! You scoundrel witch!” She thwacked Shen’s bare chest, kicking her legs wildly to launch herself free.

“Have it your way, Princess.” Shen dumped her back in the pool.

Rose landed with a splash, her feet scrabbling against stone as she waded backward.

“Would you really rather drown than be saved by a witch?”

“I’m not drowning,” said Rose breathlessly.

“Well, not anymore. You’re welcome.”

Rose began to do the witch-warding dance again, splaying her arms and sending water everywhere as she hopped from foot to foot.

Shen pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know who taught you that ridiculous dance, but I assure you, all it will do to a real witch is entertain them.”

“And you apparently know all about real witches. Being oneyourself!” The words chattered through Rose’s teeth, and she realized she was shivering hard.

Shen sighed. “You’ve had quite a shock. And we’ve been in this water long enough. Let’s get out.”

“If you think I’m going anywhere with a lying, sneaking WITCH—”

“I never lied to you,” said Shen sharply. He paused, then added, “Although I will admit to the sneaking part. And yes, I am a witch. But more important,so are you.”

“Stop saying that!”

“Or what? I’ll make it true?” He cocked a dark brow. “Tell me you didn’t feel your gift when you healed me just now.”

Rose crushed her traitorous fingers into fists. The tingling sensation lingered. She took a deep breath, as if she was going to start shouting again, swearing it wasn’t true, that she couldn’tpossiblybe one of them. But then the fear that had haunted her as a child came rushing back. In her worst nightmares, Rose would dream of power bursting from her like an inferno, blazing through her blood and her bones, until she woke, screaming for her mother. Perhaps, some small part of her had always known there was magic slumbering inside her, waiting to wake up and unravel her careful life.

“No,” said Rose, violently shaking her head. “I can’t be a witch! I won’t be! Witches killed my parents. Witches started the war. They are the cause of every bad thing in Eana, and once they are all gone, there will finally be peace and prosperity and... and... and... What are you doing?”

Shen was sloshing toward her, his dagger glinting in his hand. Before Rose could pull away, he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close.

Rose screamed as he curled her fingers around the hilt of his knife. Then she realized the blade wasn’t angled toward her. It was pointed at him. At his chest. And she was the one holding it. His other arm tightened around her waist, trapping her against him.

He stared down at her through thick dark lashes. “If you are still so intent on killing the witches, why don’t you start with me?”

All the air left Rose’s body in a single breath.

Shen tugged her closer, until the dagger point met his skin. A bead of blood slid down his chest. “Do it.”

Rose tried to drop the knife, but he curled her hand inside his, holding it steady. “What is one fewer witch to you, Princess? At least have the courage to kill the first with your own hand.”

Rose was trembling so badly, her teeth were chattering. A trail of blood marked a line down Shen’s chest, and the sight of it made her want to scream. Her magic roiled and thrashed inside her. It felt as if the blade was piercing her own heart and the same blood was pooling in her throat.

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