Page 115 of Twin Crowns

“How did you know I was thinking of Rathborne’s stupid, sneering face?”

“Because I can read you like a book.”

“You canread?”

He gave her a hard look. “You’re all talk, witch.”

“Oh yeah? Watch this.” Wren held the button in her palm. Rathborne’s golden key rested in the other. She loosened a breath, focusing now on the rhythm of her pulse. She felt it fluttering against Tor’s button. Her skin began to prickle. Magic coursed through her, leaving one hand and gathering in the other. Tor guided her breath with his own, and this time, even before she opened her eyes, Wren knew the enchantment had worked.

She grinned as she held both keys up to the moonlight: one silver and one gold. “Well, look at that. Twins.”

“You’re welcome,” said Tor.

Wren winked at him. “My spell, my glory.”

The Gevran chuckled.

“I like that sound,” she said as she rolled to her feet. “You should make it more often.”

Tor stood up, too. He kicked the failed keys away, scattering them into the orchard. “I’ll try to find something to laugh about.” He dug his hands into his pockets, and without the top button of his frock coat, he looked disheveled. He gazed past her, toward the tower. “How will I know if you’ve succeeded in your task?”

“Will the suspense keep you up tonight?” teased Wren.

“Yes,” he said, without an ounce of humor.

“Just listen for the sound of me merrily skipping down the hallways.”

His gaze darkened. “Be serious, Wren.”

“Fine. If you don’t see me at Prince Ansel’s wedding tomorrow, you’ll know I failed miserably and am likely dead in a stairwell somewhere.” She prodded his chest. “And in that unlikely event, you must spend the rest of your wintry days protecting my sister with your life.”

Tor grabbed her waist before she could pull away.

Wren’s body erupted in a blaze of heat. She flicked her gaze to Elske. “I’m not kissing you in front of your wolf. I’m afraid that’s where I draw the line.”

“So, there is a line.”

“I’m as surprised as you are.”

But Tor’s face had grown serious. “Aren’t we going to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

“This.Us.”

“Don’t do that,” she said warily. “Don’t act as if—”

“I have feelings for you?” he said, unflinching.

Wren inhaled sharply. The soldier felt more dangerous now than the previous night, when he had caught her in a spell. The way he was looking at her now... the things it was doing to her insides.No.No. She was not going to end up like her parents, who had both died for love. She was the strong twin. Banba had made her strong. And she was so close now to the rest of her life. She would not risk it for something so fleeting and pointless, no matter how good it felt. No matter how the Gevran plagued her thoughts. “You should know I have no interest in love.”

Tor raised his eyebrows.

“I don’t even believe in it,” she said firmly.

He trailed his fingers down her wrist, gently pressing his thumb against her racing pulse. “Forgive me for thinking there was something between us, Wren. I must have misread your moans.”

She swallowed thickly. “You must have.”

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