Page 65 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“That’s not our home. That is a prison where our mother is kept.”

She huffed, pulling herself from the bed, her naked body on display for all of us to see. “I guess I could speak to my queen.” She poured herself a glass of wine, the morning sun illuminated her curves.

“Thank you, Ursula,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “You can find us at the Alder Townhome when you have an answer.”

Her eyes brightened. “Aren’t you going to invite me over for a drink? Dinner perhaps? I am doing you a favor, and I’d love to see what the Alder Townhome is like.”

“As soon as you have information for me, you are welcome to dine at my table.”

She clicked her tongue and moved closer before pulling my hands to her hips. “Remember how much fun we had at the Yule Revelry? We could have more.”

I couldn’t deny my quickening pulse at her touch. A hazy memory of our time together at the Yule Revelry streaked through my mind. The taste of salt and brine fizzled on my tongue and goosebumps rose on my arms at the memory of Caiden and Ursula’s lips on my skin.

I swallowed hard.

“I can’t. I’m with Tharan now.”

“I don’t think he would mind,” she whispered in my ear.

“I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, Ursula.” I let my arms fall slack.

She pouted her lower lip in protest. “You were so fun before you settled down and, you know, became important. However, your curves look delicious. What’s Alder King feeding you?”

“Stability. You should try it.”

“Ha! I am stable as can be. I have my little nest here.” She pointed at her two lovers hiding beneath the thick blankets. “And a bank vault full of gold at the Free Cities Trust. What more could I need?”

I shook my head, trying to conceal my smile. “Nothing.”

She downed her glass of wine. “Exactly.”

“I’ll see you in a few days, Ursula. Don’t dally. I know where to find you, and I have ways of getting the information I need,” I huffed. The memories of my past indiscretions unnerved me.

“Is that a threat?” She narrowed her sea green eyes at me.

“Consider it motivation.” I turned and motioned for Amolie and Baylis to follow. “Come on, we have other matters to attend to.”

We headed out into the cold, briny streets once more.

“Well, that went as about as well as could be expected,” Amolie said.

“She can be prickly, but she’ll come through. She owes me for Oakton.”

Amolie touched my wrist. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I shrugged then straightened my cloak.

“Well, you just threatened an emissary of a friendly court?—”

I interrupted her, “Ursula knows how to conduct herself accordingly.”

Amolie backed away.

Baylis picked at her nails aimlessly.

“What’s your backup plan?”

“Get her drunk, have her take me to bed, and plant the idea in her head,” I said.

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