Page 29 of Cursed Crowns

Rose pursed her lips. “Shen.”

“I love it when you say my name.”

“I can’t imagine why. I only do it when I’m scolding you.”

“Maybe that’s it,” he said with a wink. “Let me ride with you to Millis. I promise I’ll be good.”

Rose’s resolve crumbled. She sat down on the bench beside him, a shiver rushing through her as his leg brushed against hers. Oh, it truly was such a glorious feeling. “Well, don’t betoogood,” she murmured. “I am happy that you’re here.”

Shen turned his face to hers, trailing a finger along her jaw. “As you like, Your Majesty.”

Rose closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. He groaned as his mouth opened, deepening the kiss. Rose relaxed into it, knowing that this moment was not only fleeting but against all sorts of rules she had made for herself before setting out. But in Shen’s embrace, none of that seemed to matter.

At last, Rose pulled back from him. She was heady with exhaustion, her lids impossibly heavy.

Shen curled his arm around her, pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “Go to sleep, Rose. I’ll hold you.”

Rose sighed as she laid her head against his shoulder. Cradled in his arms, sleep came swiftly, whisking her far away from her worries.

When she woke, it was almost midnight, and Shen was gone.

The carriage was slowing. They must have reached the town of Millis. They would stop here for the night, just enough time for Rose to bathe and eat and sleep on real pillow, before setting off again at first light. The royal entourage crowded into the biggest inn in town until there was barely space enough to move. Agnes went up to ready her room and unpack some of Rose’s things, leaving her to speak with Chapman over a late supper of chicken and leek stew.

So far, the tour was proving to be a success, with little sign of Barronand his Arrows. Rose knew she should be pleased—relieved, even—but as she looked around the crowded dining room, she found herself preoccupied. “Have you seen Shen?”

The steward sighed. “Must you turn your thoughts to that troublesome boy? I ask you, Queen Rose, how a warrior witch with no official training or indeed allegiance to the royal guard can mean to get away with commanding Captain Davers and his soldiers all day long.”

Rose took a swig of wine from her goblet. “You know well he’s the finest warrior in Eana.”

“With the arrogance to prove it.” Chapman tutted. “And to answer your question, he is, at this very moment, patrolling the outer walls of Millis. At his own insistence.”

Rose grinned into her goblet. “You must at least admire his thoroughness.”

“Indeed,” said Chapman with no small amount of disapproval.

After supper, Rose set off for her lodging on the third floor, which was a large well-lit room with a huge canopy bed and adjacent bathing chamber. It was the grandest room the inn had to offer, and came complete with an accompanying cot for Agnes, who opened the door to welcome her.

Rose undressed and got ready for bed, then sat at the dresser while Agnes brushed her hair out.

“You did well today, Queen Rose. Everyone’s been sayin’ it.”

Rose smiled at her maidservant in the mirror. “I’ve never spoken to so many people in my life, Agnes. I think I’m in danger of losing my voice.”

“We’ll get it back right quick,” said Agnes. “I’ll go down to thekitchen and fetch a cuppa ginger tea with honey and lemon. You’ll be right as rain by morning.”

“You are a treasure, Agnes. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Agnes had barely left the room when there was a knock at the window. Rose spun on her heel, startling at Shen’s face in the darkness. She rushed to the window and heaved it open.

“What on earth are you doing?” she hissed as he clambered inside. “We’re three floors up!”

Shen swept a loose hair from his eyes as he straightened. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“You can’t stay here. Agnes will be back any moment.”

Shen’s dark eyes glittered. “So you’re saying Agnes is our only obstacle?”

“What? No! Of course not. I just mean—” Rose groaned. “Oh, don’t tease me. I’m far too tired.”

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