Page 25 of The Princess's Chosen

"Charlotte was the daughter of the King of Thieves before Aric. James was a more traditional thief from what I've heard, less interested in the kingdom as a whole than every man for himself. Charlotte was the idealist, and she found a willing ear in Aric," I said, pausing. "I wanted him to tell you himself but—"

"But he's made of stone," Bryony muttered.

"Mm. So Aric took the crown from Charlotte's father and then added insult to injury by marrying his daughter. Some of the court left as Aric and Charlotte started to make changes to how they wanted to operate. Where they wanted the money coming from. But generally, Aric has been a popular king."

"What happened to Charlotte?" Bryony whispered, wincing.

She had such a capacity for sympathy, empathy even.

"She grew ill about five winters ago when food was very very thin. Aric was running a job when it started, and Charlotte maintained her generosity right until she couldn't get out of bed. When Aric got home, he couldn't find a doctor who would attend her, and he didn't have enough magic to really heal how far into the sickness she'd fallen."

I watched in awe as Bryony's eyes shone, a tear falling for Aric, who'd taken great care to be as scornful as he could before leaving.

"His crown isn't really the only obstacle between us," she said and then shook her head. "Oh, that was selfish to be thinking of my own desires just then."

I didn't bother resisting the urge to lean forward, drawing Bryony to my mouth, kissing her for her own sake, for my gratitude that she was the person she was and that she was in any way mine.

"Aric objected to being Chosen for Charlotte's sake, yes. Probably more her than his position as King of Thieves. I suspect that might've been a temptation. Imagine what he could've gotten away with in your court if you'd never known," I said, cocking an eyebrow. "I'm not telling you about Charlotte to excuse the way he behaved. I could've punched him if he hadn't been in such a rush to leave."

"If there'd been magic in the woods years ago, he could've saved her," Bryony said, frowning and thinking. "I'm still angry with his temper, but I suppose I can understand why the magic is such a shock to him. Do you think it's dangerous?"

I blew out a long breath from pursed lips. "I really don't know. Magic isn't my area of expertise," I said, catching her eye and grinning. "I don't know how seriously I'd take his caution about avoiding feeding the Hunger, though."

Bryony's eyes slid away from mine, her frown turning down even further. "I only know two ways of using it. One hurts my Chosen, and the other is apparently unpredictable."

Fuck you, Aric, I thought wearily.

Bryony looked up and laughed at my expression. "You look like I've taken your toy away!"

I tried to shake it off, but I ended up laughing too. "Ignore that. I'll survive. We all will. Whatever makes you most comfortable. Although, if Aric takes a very long time in returning with some explanation, I may complain."

"Mm, I am not your only company now though, am I?" Bryony asked, pressing a kiss to the corner of my jaw.

Oddly enough, I found myself blushing under her knowing stare.

"I'm not entirely sure how I fit in with them," I said, looking over in the direction of the others, although a bookshelf blocked my view of Wendell and Thao.

"If it ever causes youanystrife—" Bryony started, and I hushed her words by laying my lips over hers, nibbling on that permanently swollen bottom pout.

"I enjoy them in a similar way to how I enjoy watching Owen with you," I said softly. "The only place I risk my feelings is…" I trailed off, not sure if now was the time to say something, but Bryony's eyes lit up.

"There's no risk, Cosmo. If you can accept that my heart will be shared—"

"Of course," I said, my own heart ready to leap out of my chest and land in her gentle palm.

"Then it's yours in equal measure," Bryony said, smiling.

I couldn't help my grin or the way it threatened to split my face, and my arms twined tightly around Bryony's waist, tugging her firmly against my chest, my head tipping to kiss down her throat.

"Cosmo, I—we still don't know," Bryony breathed, her hands poised on my shoulders, but not managing to push me away.

"Just let me kiss you, hold you, just for a few minutes," I said, nipping at her jaw.

She wouldn't give in to her cravings so quickly. Bryony was too conscientious for that, and Aric had made her skittish of herself for the time being.Convenient that none of us can have her now that he knows how badly he wants her, I mused with a huff of breath over her shoulder. She shivered and arched into me, and I kissed my way back up to her jaw, her lips.

A slow and constant seduction it would be then. The fruit would be riper for the picking when Bryony was sure she and Kimmery were safe.

9

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