Page 51 of The Kingdom's Crown

"I'm sorry, love," I said softly, for all it could change anything.

"For what it's worth, I do think Wendell's influence with us will carry more than just one vote," Jack said.

"Can't you just convince your mother to abolish the council? It's just a dusty old pack of perverts drinking their livers away," Morgan muttered, and then she shrugged as Jack shot her a look of offended amusement. "Aside from the two of you and my uncle, of course," she added half-heartedly.

"I'd turn every noble family in Kimmery against the crown if I did," Bryony murmured, lifting her face. "I have to… Stars, I don't know what. Get rid of Thomlinson and Roderick? Someone like them will just pop up in their place."

"They have enough support still that uprooting them will create waves," Jack said. "There's no one you could give their position to yet who would hold confidence."

I knew what Bryony needed to do. So did she for that matter. She needed to convince her mother to give the crown up to her so that Queen Peony couldn't grant permissions to the council that would carry serious consequences. So that the magic that was bound up in the castle's conduit might be resolved and allowed to soak back into Kimmery. So that her sister could face her crimes and be appropriately punished for them.

Bryony's eyes met mine, fear thick in her gaze, revealing the whites of her eyes. Her thoughts were in the same place as mine, and I knew perfectly by the slow paling of her cheeks that nothing any one of us might say would convince her she was really ready for that step. Truthfully, I wasn't sure Bryonywasready to carry Kimmery entirely on her own shoulders, even if they were the best pair for the kingdom. But she would be soon. She just needed us to push her those few inches further.

"Let me handle the council for you. I won't rest on an argument until I know Kimmery's best interests are safe," I said.

Thao squeezed himself on the stool with me. "If anyone can do it, you know it's our Wen."

Bryony nodded immediately, and I thought there was more gratitude than confidence in her smile, but I would prove myself to her. "Thomlinson will try and bar you as much as he can. And he can't be blind to the fact that we're gaining allies," Bryony said, turning to Jack. "Is there anyone who can be trusted to keep us apprised of conversations taking place outside of meetings?"

"Yes, there's a man I've been using for as much when it comes to two-natured issues," Jack said. "And as it stands, the council can't vote on new measures without every member given the opportunity to vote."

Bryony's smile was tight. "I'm beginning to see my mother's point about why I should rather have my Chosen at my side than chasing the council all around the kingdom."

As poorly timed as it was, Bryony's regret created warmth in my chest, and I tugged her out from between Cosmo and Owen and onto my lap. I rested my chin on her shoulder and let my lips brush against the corner of her jaw, my arms wrapping tight around her waist.

"I promise to serve you perfectly at every opportunity, including this one," I murmured, savoring the shiver of her in my arms.

14

Bryony

Ipaced the floor of my mother's sitting room, Daniel's eyes tracking the line my feet carved through the dense carpet on the floor.

"I don't think that woman even told her I was waiting," I muttered, glancing at the door again.

"We could come back," Daniel offered softly.

I shook my head. "She's just as likely to beoccupiedlater as she is now. Or simply not in the mood to see me."

"I think you're making yourself more anxious, pacing like that," Daniel said. His voice was mild, and it occurred to me, a little late, that Daniel usually grew quiet when he was uncomfortable.

It was barely perceptible just by looking at him. If I hadn't grown to know the man from the past few months—his laughter and smiles and the easy drape of him in a chair when he was relaxed and not constantly judging himself and his place in our company—I would've said he was fine. I was learning that stillness and measured volume and tone were Daniel's way of hiding.

I slowed to a stop and then crossed to the armchair where he was seated, perfectly frozen in a tableau of patience. He stiffened as I helped myself to his lap, eyes on my face as I wrapped one arm around his shoulders and gripped at his collar with my free hand, flicking a button open and watching his throat bob with a swallow. He released a soft sigh as my forehead touched his, and together we melted into the cushions of the chair.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he answered immediately.

"Tell me. Or I'll start pacing again," I teased.

"What are you going to say to your mother?" Daniel asked, arms circling me in return, one hand sliding to cup my bottom.

I frowned and lifted my face to look more closely at him. "I…I'm not sure really. I just want her to know what a terrible idea it was to give Thomlinson that permission."

"Is it wise to question the queen like that?"

I blinked at the question, lips parting without an answer ready. It struck me finally that Daniel was tense on my behalf, afraid of what might come from this conversation I was waiting to have with my mother.

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