Page 47 of The Crownless Prince

“When the silver piece is in his hair, he looks normal,” Edwincontinued. Marcus was grateful, as it meant he could keep his own face still. “If the stick is removed, the right half of his body is covered in green scales. His right hand has claws, and his eye is yellow and serpent-like. Either he’s cursed or he’s not human.”

Adriana shivered.

“Either way, Father won’t let Adriana marry something so hideous.” Jairus slumped back, his relief evident. “We just have to make him remove the hair stick. Why didn’t you tell us earlier?”

Marcus shook his head. “We only discovered it this morning. I couldn’t risk Thorne realizing what I was doing and stopping me before I had the chance to explain.” He motioned to his face, then his throat. “These bruises might have been because he was jealous for Adriana’s attention, but these and the matching ones on Edwin’s neck were because he said he’d kill us both if we told anyone. We’re not even certain if he’s human, and if he’s not, what magical powers he might have. I didn’t want to rush to expose him and cause either Edwin or Adriana to be harmed.”

Jairus’s mouth pinched. “Wise. I’ll gather the knights and we’ll confront him—”

“No.”

Marcus turned to look at Adriana so quickly his neck popped. “What?”

“I…I have an idea.” She locked eyes with Marcus. “It’s dangerous because it might not work. Even if it does, it may still be dangerous. But if it works…it would solve everything. Not just stopping the wedding, but saving you, too.”

“Only if it will save you.” Marcus brushed some of her springy curls behind her ear. “I can wait.” Or sacrifice himself entirely, if need be, but she wouldn’t want to hear that.

Adriana took a deep breath, then explained her plan.

After much discussion, they had a plan, with several backup plans in place at Jairus’s insistence. Most of the risks fell on Marcus, but he preferred that. He’d do whatever was necessary to ensure that Lucien never laid a finger on Adriana.

Before they returned to their rooms, Jairus escorted Marcus and Edwin to see the healer for their bruises. Lucien had left Marcus locked in Lucien’s chamber until after supper, so by the time Marcus had gone to the healer’s room, it was empty. Jairus insisted Alban was fine with being awakened. Besides, they needed Alban’s help for part of their plan.

Partway there, Jairus stopped in a cold hallway and turned to Marcus, his gaze steady in the light of the candle he held. “If this plan succeeds, are you sure you want to swear fealty to the man who killed your entire family and tried to kill you? Just to be able to marry Adriana?”

“There’s nojustabout marrying her,” Marcus said, keeping most of his irritation out of his tone. “But yes. My father brought his destruction on his own head. If he hadn’t been greedy, stirred up revolt in Nydellan Principality, and orchestrated a cowardly attack on Faine Principality while its prince was gone, Alimer Castle would likely still stand. Furthermore, I desire to avoid any more conflicts. If bendingthe knee to your father is what it takes to secure Aedyllan’s peace, I’ll gladly do it.”

Jairus nodded with a slight smile and then continued leading the way to Alban’s bedchamber.

While the healer tended Marcus’s wounds, Jairus and Edwin explained what they planned to do. As Marcus had guessed, Alban was more than happy to provide what they needed.

When Marcus awoke the next morning, his bruises had mostly faded to green and yellow, and he could open his right eye almost all the way. After breakfast, he and Edwin insisted on being the ones to prepare Lord Thorne for his wedding. Roger appeared both suspicious and relieved, and Jacob didn’t argue, saying he had no interest in being around Thorne if he could help it, as the wedding would probably have him on edge.

If Thorne was already irritable, he might send them away and ruin their plans. Marcus would do anything to stroke Thorne’s ego if that’s what it took to ensure that didn’t happen.

Outside of Thorne’s room, Marcus patted his belt, checking yet again that the small vial was safely tucked underneath it. Edwin patted his own stomach, confirming he had the rope. They were as prepared as they could be, but it provided little comfort.

If Marcus couldn’t convince Thorne to drink something or was caught tampering with Thorne’s drink, or if Alban’s sleeping draught didn’t work, their plan might not only fail, but Thorne might kill him and Edwin. Thorne wouldn’t even be blamed if he claimed they weretrying to murder him.

Marcus’s courage wavered, but he straightened his spine and knocked. It was worth the risk—to protect Adriana, and to achieve the dream of their future together.

“You’re late!” Thorne shouted.

In a bad mood already, then.

Wincing, Marcus opened the door. Thorne stood near the fireplace with his back to them, wearing a long dressing robe, his hair as perfect as ever, in the exact same braids he always wore. The silver hair stick glinted in the candlelight from the candelabras. Marcus and the others had theorized the hair stick was a simple enchantment that created an illusion of specific features.

If they were wrong, they’d have to use one of the worst backup plans.

Marcus entered with his hands folded in front of him and his head bowed. Edwin eased the door closed behind them.

“My lord—”

“You!” Thorne snarled. He dashed across the room and seized Marcus’s chin. With a painful grip, he forced Marcus to lift his head. “What do you think you’re doing here?”

“Serving you!” Marcus let all of his fear about what would happen if their plans failed bleed into his tone and expression. “I want to atone for my indiscretions, my lord. I am sorry.”

Beside him, Edwin dropped to his knees. “My brother and I know we’ve displeased you,” he said, a believable quaver to his voice. “We wish to help you prepare for the wedding ceremony to demonstrateour dedication to loyally serving you.”

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