Page 64 of Burning Crowns

‘That was impressive, you have to admit,’ he reasoned. ‘Impossible to look away from, really.’

‘I suppose it was … unique,’ Rose allowed. ‘But the stars? You certainly seemed enamoured with Elladora!’

Shen flashed a dimple. ‘I was thinking those flying stars would be a clever weapon foryou. Their grace and delicacy … they would suit you, Rose. I’m going to have a set made in time for your next—’

‘I’m a witch, Shen,’ Rose said, with a huff. ‘I don’t need a weapon.’ Then she remembered why she was here. ‘Wait. Actually, now you mention it—’

‘Say that again,’ Shen interrupted, pulling her close.

‘What?’ she said, flustered.

‘That you’re a witch. I never tire of hearing it.’ He laid his forehead against hers. ‘And do you know why?’

She didn’t move away. ‘You’re insufferable, that’s why.’

‘Because I love that you know who you are now,’ he went on. ‘I love that you have embraced your true soul, Rose. Your true power. You’re one of the most incredible witches I’ve ever encountered.’

The word ‘love’ echoed in Rose’s ears, and she wished he would say more. Say that he lovedher, so they could at last stop playing this silly game.

‘How could you ever doubt my feelings for you?’ His voice was stricken, his inky gaze pouring into hers. ‘When you’re here you’re the only one I can look at. Everything else –everyoneelse – falls away.’

They gazed at each other, and Rose felt the rest of her resolve crumbling. She wanted to forgive Shen, and more importantly she still hadn’t told him her real reason for coming – she hadn’t told him about Oonagh and—

‘Excuse me?’

Rose snapped her head up at the sound of a new voice. Princess Elladora was sidling over to join them, a coy smile on her face. Rose jumped back from Shen as if she’d been burned.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt,’ said Elladora, although she clearly wasn’t. ‘But King Shen and I didn’t get to finish our dance.’ She gave Rose a meaningful look.

‘Princess Elladora,’ said Rose, stiffly. ‘What a long time it has been. You are looking well.’

‘And you,’ said Elladora. ‘Who knew that dear little Rose would grow up to reveal so many … surprises?’ Her smiled sharpened. ‘A secret twin! Witches on the throne of Eana! When my father heard about it, he spat out his soup. We could hardly believe it.’

‘It has been a time of great change here in Eana,’ said Rose, tersely. ‘But all for the good. We look forward to continuing our strong allyship with Demarre.’

‘As do we,’ said Elladora. ‘And we are keen to build new relations with the Sunkissed Kingdom.’ Her eyes raked over Shen. ‘A powerful new ally, to be sure.’

Rose’s nostrils flared. She had to stop herself from physically stepping in front of Elladora to block her view of Shen.

‘Your Majesty, we must continue our dance,’ said Elladora, holding her hand out to Shen. ‘Otherwise, it would be a most inauspicious start.’

Shen cleared his throat. ‘Ah …’

‘You are aware my father boasts a larger navy than even Gevra,’ said Elladora. ‘We are a strong ally indeed. As I’m sure you know.’

‘Seeing as the Sunkissed Kingdom is landlocked, I doubt they have much use for boats,’ said Rose.

‘On the contrary, they will need boats all the more. So that they may rely on other countries beyond Eana to sustain their trade,’ said Elladora, all too sweetly, ‘… and other pursuits.’

Rose bristled. ‘We also have boats. Many boats. So many boats.’

‘Not as many as we do.’

‘Shall we carry on this conversation about boats at another time?’ said Shen, stepping into the space between them.

‘Once we finish our dance,’ said Elladora, taking his hand and pulling him away. ‘Come. I’ve asked the minstrels to play a traditional Demarre waltz.’

‘Ah, what ashame. I’m afraid I don’t know any Demarre dances,’ said Shen, trying to wriggle free of her grasp.

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