Page 101 of The Princess's Chosen

"It isn't good news, but I suppose it's what we've been expecting," I said, burrowing closer.

Thao's arm pulled free, and I started to pout until he wrapped it around my shoulders, letting me nuzzle into his collar. "If I'd realized the effect sheep's wool had on you, I would've altered my wardrobe sooner," Thao said.

"I can't decide if it's sweaters I prefer, oryouin sweaters," I teased.

Thao growled, an imitation of his tiger, and I laughed. It was definitely the addition of Thao. He made the wool smell less like grass and hay and more like a very nice morning in bed, not unlike the one he'd given me earlier when he'd declared he'd be having his breakfast before the rest of us.

Thao's free hand slid down to my bottom, his head turning for our mouths to meet, just as the greenhouse doors opened.

"Griffin is here, Your Highness."

Thao glared over my head as I winced at my title on Cresswell's lips. I shifted in my seat to find him standing stiffly in the doorway, Griffin rushing in.

"I'd offer to let you continue, but this really can't wait," she snapped.

I sat up, Thao let his arm drape over the back of the loveseat, and Griffin dropped into the chair across from us at the table. "I think we both know you wouldn't be shy of interrupting and that I wouldn't ask you to. What's wrong?"

"It's the council," Griffin said, gaze blazing.

I looked at the letter in Thao's hand and then back to Griffin. Our brief reprieve was officially over. "Do you know what their plan is?"

"Barely, but I know it's about the two-natured," Griffin said. "You heard?"

"Only the Dowager Queen's suspicion that they were gathering together here in the north. Who did you hear from?"

Griffin's jaw clenched and she breathed slowly through her nose. "I can't tell you that."

Thao stiffened and looked between us. "I can leave, if it's—"

"No. It's not you. I'm sorry, Bryony, but it's not my place to say who I heard this from."

Another shifter then. I opened my mouth to remind her that I wanted nothing but equality and peace of mind for shifters and then shut it again. I didn'tneedto know, and Griffin did trust me. That was why she was here.

"The council is gathering for a vote. It's not unanimous, and it's bad enough that they're trying to keep it under wraps until the vote has passed. That's all I know," Griffin said.

"Do you know when? Or where?" I asked.

She frowned and shook her head, huffing and sweeping her hair back from her face with one hand. "They didn't say, probably because they didn't want me storming in," she bit out, eyes rolling up to the ceiling. "I got word this morning, and it could be tonight or tomorrow or next week."

"Actually, no. I think I have a clue. Grandmother's letter just arrived and in it she said Lord Thomlinson and his peers were preparing for the end of the month. I know that's this week really, but—"

"Lord Thomlinson," Griffin said slowly. "You're right. I can put eyes out to find the carriages."

"I will go, Griffin," I said quickly, seeing her gaze go distant. She glared at me and I shook my head. "I mean it. I will go and I will put a stop to it, I promise you that. If your ally needs to remain a secret, what better way to be sure of that than me going on my grandmother's information, rather than you on your source's?"

"This is about more than me. This isn't their decision to make, Bryony."

"No, and I know it isn't mine either, and I'm sorry the shifters can't represent themselves in this matter." I leaned forward and reached for the other woman's hand, catching it my tight grip before she could pull away. "Griffin, they won't persuade me, they won't reason with me. They won't even force me. I willstopthem. Whatever it is."

"She won't be alone," Thao added from my side. "I can put the weight of the Mennarian trade deals into the discussion. My family hates the legislation against your shifters. And Wendell can hunt down any precedent that might be made from Kimmerian laws."

Our argument was working, and I slid my free hand into Thao's, squeezing gratefully. Griffin's anger was faltering to acceptance.

"Owen can sense shifters?" Griffin asked.

I blinked, confused by the turn of the conversation, and then nodded.

"Take him with you," she said, holding my stare. "It… He may be useful too."

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