Page 65 of The Kingdom's Crown

Nathan, for all his shift in temperament, was eager to shoo me and my Chosen out of his office after that, as he tugged down one old hand-bound notebook after another and Simon made goodbyes to us on behalf of both of them. In the main room, the three golden toys wandered aimlessly about, although I got the sense that the Simon toy was antagonizing the Kenneth.

"Do you think they'll stay true?" I asked Aric as we hurried back to the suite.

"Simon will keep at Nathan. I will too, for that matter. They train royal mages hownotto use magic, but the man's a scholar and a new route of thinking will be good for him," Aric said. "What's important in my mind is that you can take back from the conduit. Even if we have to play thieves in the night, I'm determined to take that thing apart. And look, I snagged Ambauld's notebook."

I laughed and bounced on my toes as Aric pulled a black leather notebook from the inside of his coat.

"He'll notice that won't he?" Cresswell asked, frowning.

"I'll make my own notes tonight and take it back tomorrow. Don't mind me, royal guard," Aric answered, smirking at Cress, who huffed and rolled his eyes. "Youwerevery successful with them, Bryony. You should go and celebrate."

"You mean I should avoid distracting you now that you have a new toy?" I asked, nodding at the notebook. "Very well. Cress, let's find Morgan. It's been ages since I've done any fencing, and I heard her boasting the other day."

17

Owen

The morning seemed brighter just for seeing Bryony in a shade other than black. She twisted in front of the mirror, examining herself in a deep shade of blue-gray, brow furrowed in concentration.

"Don't know how you can make that face. Seeing you always makes me smile," I said, sitting at the edge of the bed, and watching her.

Bryony spun, that smile I loved so well finally blooming, and she bounded over to me, climbing onto my bare lap, all the folds and flounces of silk draping across my legs.

"It might be a bit of a feminine tradition to frown at oneself in a mirror," Bryony said shrugging. "I was thinking I might like to change some of the fashions, and wondering if that wasn't very vapid, considering the state of the kingdom."

"If you can change fashions and restore Kimmery's prosperity all in one year, I don't see why it should matter," I said with a shrug.

Bryony's smile softened, and she melted into me, her arms wrapping around my neck. "Very well spoken, my love."

Her mouth landed on my jaw, and I stretched for her kisses and nibbles, groaning as the presses grew longer, wetter. I was ready to fall back onto the bed and drag her down with me when the door squeaked.

Another squeak followed, girlish and startled. "Oh! My apologies—"

The door snapped shut again, and Bryony pulled away with a giggle. "Poor Nora, I've scandalized her three times this week. No room is safe."

"Certainly not our bedroom," I reasoned.

"It was probably the only room she hadn't caught me in yet, I can't blame her. But it means she has my tea ready."

I nodded as Bryony slid away, the chill of the room helping cool the fever of arousal that had risen up. "Have you spoken to her yet about…you know?"

Her second nature, just like her brother's.

"Not yet," Bryony said, stroking a fingertip over her bottom lip. "I can't decide if we're both dancing around it. Or if I might accidentally surprise her and leave her feeling caught."

"She knows she's safe with you," I said. "Jack would've told her."

We'd seen a little of Nora's brother, the viscount, coming and going with council business. I was surprised by how well I liked the man, considering he had such a fancy title. I wondered if a second nature kept a high man down to earth. Wendell was like that too, although Thao really wasn't.

Bryony nodded absently, moving for the door and then glancing back at me. Sweet warmth took over her features. "Speaking of the two-natured, I have a task for you and Cresswell if you're willing."

"Of course," I said.

Bryony arched an eyebrow at me, her smile going mischievous. "You'll have to be dressed for it, Owen."

I glanced down and grinned at my own nudity. "Just making sure you didn't need me first."

Bryony giggled and ran for the sitting room door. She shut it behind her, and a murmur of conversation filtered through. Good, maybe she'd talk to Nora while she waited for me. I had a feeling Jack was a fox shifter, but I wasn't certain about Nora yet, although I thought she might've been some kind of bird.

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