Page 32 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns
Cyran’s smile turned cold. “On the contrary. I was already seeing her. I arranged for you to be hers, but she loved you like her own. She had miscarried a few years prior and could not have more children.”
I felt like I might be sick.
“You’re more of a bastard than I thought.”
Cyran only chuckled. “That may be true, but you will infiltrate the vault for me.”
I crossed my arms. “Like you’re not rich enough already?”
His amusement vanished. “I do not need money. I need information. Someone is working with the enemy.”
I froze. “No way. Not in the castle.”
“I am sure of it. And they have infiltrated my organization. I do not know how, but I need to know who.”
I exhaled, rubbing my temple. “What exactly am I looking for?”
“Correspondence. Whoever it is has royal clearance. Only royal caravans are exempt from inspections.”
I let out a low curse. “I’ll look, but there’s no guarantee they’ll keep anything incriminating in the vault.”
“Hopefully, you’ll know it when you see it.”
I grunted, already regretting this entire visit.
As I turned to leave, I nearly crashed into Solei.
“Solei!” I hugged her on instinct, and she patted my back half-heartedly, more out of habit than affection.
She was her father’s daughter, and a lifetime of training wasn’t something that faded easily.
She pulled back, her eyes scanning me. “Holy shit, you’re a rider.”
I nodded. “Yeah. But my dragon’s not exactly receptive. It’s a work in progress.”
“I hear they can get surly,” she smirked. “You’ll win her over. You can charm just about anyone.”
I snorted. “What are you up to?”
Solei winked. “I have a date tonight.”
I lifted a brow. “A real one? Or will this guy be pushing up daisies by morning?”
She laughed, a rare, genuine sound. “A real one. Unless he’s a prick. Then it’s the latter.”
“Does he know what you do for the Order?”
“Of course not. Do you think he’d date me if he did?”
“Good point.”
She gave me a pointed look. “And you? Had any swoon-worthy hookups since you joined the army?”
I grunted. “Hardly. The entire squad has to share a room.”
“Yes, but nobles have their own rooms,” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes. “You hate nobles. Why would you suggest that?”
