Page 83 of Crown of Hearts
“I didn’t lose my crown,” Lance scoffed. “I abdicated. The only reason I was imprisoned was because you and your spitefulness like to hold a grudge.”
“Maybe it was payback for everything you put me through trying to get that necklace.” I glared at him, the hug from a moment ago already forgotten.
“I didn’t know you back then. What did it matter if we were related?”
“You don’t know me now,” I retorted.
“I’ve seen you cry.” He smirked.
“And if you tell a single soul, I will have you beheaded.”
“Speaking of necks, whatever happened to that precious necklace?” I was surprised it had taken him so long to bring it up. Though I had no doubt he didn’t mind my absence from the palace as it had given him enough time to turn the place upside down looking for the jewel.
“Did you honestly believe for a single moment that I would tell you?”
“It’s only a matter of time before I find it.”
“Let it go, Lance,” I insisted. “It’s a childhood fantasy, and the necklace is nothing more than a decorative accessory.”
He squinted. “Then why did Cai resist telling me until I started to bargain with you?”
“Jealous that I actually have someone who cares about me?” I spat out, before thinking better of it. But my words only managed to create a pang in my own chest. He remained silent for a moment, looking at me as if he was trying to read my mind.
“Did you and Cai have a disagreement?” he ventured.
“No,” I responded, too quickly. “King Aries sent men to attack the palace. Not an army but enough to cause damage. It was terrifying.”
“You look as though you’ve come off fairly unscathed.”
“I killed a man.” That shut Lance up temporarily. “And...” I paused. “Cai thinks I’m a commoner and he’s worried I won’t be the queen that his kingdom needs.”
“What do you mean? Cai’s known for a long time that you’re the heir to the throne.”
“He still believes that my upbringing is going to affect the way I rule.” I rubbed my eyes. “I don’t have the energy to deal with all of this now.”
“And worst of all, for the both of us, you’re still not married.”
Had I been closer, I would have smacked the back of his head.
“Well.” I tilted my head slightly.
“Well, what?” Lance asked, eyebrow raised.
“Technically Cai did ask me to marry him.”
“Then why don’t I see a ring on your finger?”
“He asked but it’s not been announced or confirmed with the council. Nothing has been signed.”
Lance groaned, rubbing his eyes with his palms. “Need I remind you what is at stake here?”
“I know. But I don’t want to think about Cai right now. I need to focus on our next move.”
Lance gave me a look that suggested I was too focused on my personal feelings rather than my duties. Not that he was exactly the example of duty. “Our?”
“Like you said, if we don’t do something, then you and I might as well be carted off to the slaughterhouse.”
He sighed and took a flask out of his pocket. I snatched it away before he could react. Lance looked at me with disgust.
