Page 39 of Once Upon a Crown
She yanked her arm out of my grasp. “You don’t get to decide that for me.” Elara pulled open the door and I pressed my hand to the wood, closing it again. This conversation was not over.
“I’m just trying to protect you,” I said more gently. “This could be deadly and I don’t want you going alone.”
“I’m King Evrin’s descendant. I have to be the one to do it.”
“Then could you at least give it some time? Until we figure out a plan on how to approach this?”
Elara considered it for a moment. “Fine.” She pressed a kiss to my cheek before opening the door again. “Goodnight, Cai.”
Chapter 17
Lance
I fastened the last of the buttons on my tunic and stood back to better inspect myself in the mirror.Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.I ruffled my dark hair a little and gave my reflection a satisfied nod.
My stomach let out a low growl and I left my room eager to reach the dining hall. I hoped they were serving a decent breakfast. For some reason, I was craving eggs.
The palace servants bowed as I passed them before going back to their duties. I flashed a grin at one of the maids, whose face immediately went red before she whispered something to the maid next to her.
By the time I reached the ground floor of the palace, I’d increased my pace. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this hungry, and an enticing aroma drifted from the kitchens.
With anticipation at the prospect of breakfast, I opened the dining- room doors only to find that I was not the only one who’d had the idea to take my breakfast in here.
Gwen looked up from the book in her hands. “Good morning.” Her tone wasn’t cheerful but at least I’d managed to actually get a greeting from her.
“Morning,” I replied, strolling over to a chair on the opposite side of the table and taking a seat. Apart from a tea set, some milk and some sugar, the table was still empty.
“Aren’t you having breakfast?”
She nodded, eyes going back to her book. “In a minute. I’m having my tea first.”
“All right, then.” I reached for the teapot and a nearby cup and saucer.
“I didn’t know you drank anything other than wine.”
“No?” I looked at her, but Gwen continued to read. “I enjoy my tea in the morning as much as anyone. Most people prefer something like a black tea, but I find that I actually enjoy a good camomile.” I was lying, of course. Though I’d heard these names many times before, I rarely drank tea, especially with the knowledge of what kind of tea it was. It all pretty much tasted the same to me.
Gwen could tell I wasn’t being serious, and she finally lowered her book. “I’ll wager my entire inheritance that you’re lying and that you haven’t had a cup of tea in years.”
In all truth, she was too clever for her own good, but it made any conversation with her wonderfully entertaining.
“That’s an awfully big wager.” I took a sip of the tea. It definitely could use some more milk. Or perhaps something stronger. “Thankfully I don’t need your money, Lady Gwen.”
A servant entered the dining room and reached for the teapot. “Can I refill this for you, Your Highness?”
“Please, and would you also bring me some breakfast?”
“Of course, Your Highness. What would you like?”
I glanced at Gwen and back to the servant. “I’ll have whatever she’s having.”
“Very good, Your Highness.” He gave a short bow before leaving the room with the teapot.
“What are you reading?” I gestured to the book in her hands.
“A book,” she replied, with a hint of both boredom and sarcasm, her eyes shooting left and right across the page.
“Not that I don’t enjoy this little dance of banter between us, Lady Gwen.” I took another sip of the tea and forced my face not to grimace. “But I’m afraid I must ask the reason for your hostility towards me.”
