Page 72 of Crown of Hearts
“Cai, I’m serious.” She put her horse in front of me, forcing me to halt. “I may not be the best queen, but I know more than you think. Which is why I don’t understand you not confiding in me with all this tension between Norrandale and Argon.”
My horse had taken the stop as an opportunity to eat grass and I lightly tugged on its reins, guiding us past Elara.
“You have enough to worry about in your own kingdom as it is. My complaining won’t help.”
“This isn’t about complaining,” she replied gently. “You have so many around you that would literally give their lives for your comfort.”
I shook my head. “I should be a better king than that. I should be able to handle my responsibilities.”
“I know you think the best thing is doing all of this on your own. Trust me, I know that better than anyone.” She hesitatedfor a moment and shifted her gaze away from me and to the forest around us. “But knowing what I know now, I don’t believe a person is made to rule alone. You don’thaveto do all this alone.”
“This is so much bigger than all of us.” Not even I knew what exactly I was referring to.
She met my gaze with a worried look in her eyes.
“I know.”
Chapter 19
Elara
My mind was racing.
Not only was there a cave full of Myrgonite stones in the mountains of Norrandale, but if the stones existed then it meant there was a possibility that the three “magical objects” of Queen Riona existed as well.
Lance was right. For all his idiocy and malice, he was right about the jewels. I barely knew what to think.
No wonder Cai was having sleepless nights. No wonder Norrandale was under constant threat. If someone were to discover and abuse them, the effects could be disastrous. Part of me was thrilled that Cai had finally decided to confide in me about something. But more than that, a new fear had etched itself on my chest. How on earth were we going to keep this secret protected? And even worse, what if we couldn’t?
Cai and I arrived back at the palace a few hours later. It was Jack who ran up to our horses, his face filled with concern. “Your Majesties—”
But the expression on Cai’s face told him that it wasn’t the time. And Jack knew better than to press the matter.
“Sorry to have made you worry, Jack.” Cai dismounted before walking over to lend me a hand. “I promise it was important.”
“Of course.” Jack bowed his head.
“Any news on our runaway assassin?” Cai asked. A groom ran over to take the horses from us.
“I’m afraid not. But they’re searching everywhere. We’ll find him soon, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
I was surprised when Cai took my hand as he led me back inside the palace, but I didn’t dare let go. The hallways were quiet, with few members of the court around. “Where do you think everyone is?” I asked him.
“I wonder. Possibly outside, enjoying what’s left of the good weather.”
“Do you have duties to attend to now?” I wanted to spend more time with him, wanted to talk about how we were going to approach the future with the information I’d learned. More than anything, I just wanted Cai’s company.
“I’m afraid so.”
I tried not to let him see my disappointed expression.
“But I will see you tonight at dinner.” He squeezed my hand, and my heart fluttered.
The sound of female laughter came from down the hallway. “It sounds like somebody is having fun,” I remarked.
“It sounds like Gwen and her friends.”
