Page 30 of Cursed Crowns

“I wouldn’t dare,” said Shen, even as he smiled. “I only came to say good night. And to give you this.” He reached into his pocket and removed a carefully wrapped heart-shaped tart.

Rose stared at the treat in disbelief. “Please don’t tell me you sneaked off to bake that for me?”

“I’m a man of many talents, but not that one, Rose.” Shen laughed. “Thea told me the bakery in Millis is famous for its jam tarts. I thought I’d see for myself.”

Rose looked up at him. “But it’s midnight. Where did you find an open bakery?”

“Did I say open?” Shen flashed his dimple. “I’m sure I didn’t say open.”

Rose took the jam tart. “Thief,” she whispered. “Is that why you left the troop? To bring me a jam tart?”

Shen’s smile faltered. “I thought someone might be tracking us. I saw a rider following us through the pass just outside Millis. I’m sure I spotted him back at Glenbrook, too.”

Rose startled. “Goodness. Could it be Barron? Or his wretched Arrows?”

Shen shook his head. “The rider was alone. And far quicker than I was expecting. When I doubled back, he was gone.”

“A curious onlooker, perhaps,” said Rose. “It might be nothing.”

“Maybe,” said Shen. “Though in my experience, people don’t hide unless they’re up to no good.”

“I suppose not,” she muttered.

Shen cast aside his worry, stepping into the space between them. “Which reminds me. Shouldn’t we make use of this stolen moment?”

Rose took a step before she could stop herself, folding herself into his embrace. “What did you have in mind?”

His dark eyes drank her in. “I am yours to command, Rose.”

She tilted her chin up until their noses brushed. “Shen,” she whispered against his lips, “we really shouldn’t.”

He combed his hand through her hair. “Say my name,” he murmured. “Just one more time.”

She felt him smile against her.

There came a sudden cry of alarm. “Oh, mercy! Not another kidnapping!”

Rose leaped away from Shen with such a fright that she dropped the jam tart. She scrabbled to pick it up. “Oh, Agnes. You’re back! Ah, and there’s my tea. Thank you!”

Agnes wagged her finger at Shen. “You know good and well you’re not supposed to be in here.”

Shen splayed his hands as he backed toward the window. “I was just on my way out, Agnes.”

“For goodness’ sake, Shen, use the door!” called Rose, but he was already gone, leaping through the window and disappearing into the night, leaving only the echo of his laugh behind.

Agnes shut the window at once. “He should know better than that.”

Rose sighed. “I know.”

“And so should you, Queen Rose.”

“I know that, too.” Rose slumped onto the bed, smiling at the crumbling tart in her hands. She laid it on the bedside table, careful to keep its shape, before licking the jam from her fingers. It tasted almost as good as Shen’s kisses. But not quite. “Good night, Agnes.”

“Good night, Rose. Here’s hoping tomorrow goes as well as today.”

Rose closed her eyes, making that same wish. Not just for herself, but for Wren, too. Wherever her sister was, Rose hoped she was safe.

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