Page 26 of Knight from the Ashes (Crown and Crest 1)

“We would appreciate any help you can offer,” I say, and then I scan the group, looking for a particular girl. When I spot her, I command, “You—follow me.”

Clover presses her lips into a thin line, looking like she would like to argue.

Reluctantly, she leaves her group of ardent admirers and follows me to the side of the road where we won’t be overheard.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, hoping to sound like an authoritative figure and not a simple blacksmith’s son who’s still flustered from the ridiculous situation we found ourselves in.

Clover glances over her shoulder, smiling to herself. “Saving the day, apparently.”

“I had it well under control.”

“Sure you did, soldier.”

When the barmaid called me by the title, it was mildly obnoxious, but when Clover says it, I want to grind my teeth together.

“Whyare you here?” I ask again.

She slips her hand into a deep side pocket of her gown and produces a sealed letter. “It seems your beloved believes I’m a courier in my free time.”

“This is from…” Even though Clover saw us together, I won’t say the princess’s name aloud.

“Camellia,” Clover so helpfully supplies, and then she cocks her head to the side, her eyes wickedly bright. “Do you have more than one beloved?”

Scoffing, I take the letter, wishing Camellia would act with a little more discretion. Why would she send Clover of all people, and what could she possibly need that is so urgent, she had to tell me while I was on a supply run?

“And now, my task is complete,” Clover says, already turning. “Good luck with your birds.”

“Wait,” I call to her, ignoring the letter for now. “How did you get across the river?”

Clover wasn’t on the barge.

“I saw you crossing, so I asked one of the local men if he would take me.” She gestures toward the riverbank, where the floppy-haired man from the tavern waits for her. When he spots me, he raises a smug hand in greeting.

I walk with Clover, meeting him.

“Nice boat,” I deadpan.

The man laughs, unrepentant. He then turns his eyes on Clover and offers her an exaggerated bow. “Are you ready to return, my lady?”

Clover takes his hand as he helps her into the small vessel, barely giving me a second glance. Though she’s not my responsibility, she’s still a noblewoman of the kingdom, and I don’t like the way he’s leering at her.

Sternly reminding myself Clover is none of my concern, I turn away and break the seal on Camellia’s letter.

My eyes scan the note, and my frown deepens. What does Camellia mean she suspects Clover of nefarious deeds? Black magic?Sorcery?

I read the last bit, growing increasingly agitated.

Watch her for me,Henrik. Keep her close and don’t let her out of your sight—and whatever you do, don’t listen to a word she says. I’ll gather the evidence needed to convict her by the time you return.

You’rethe only person I can trust.

Yours truly,

Camellia

I turn backtoward the water, watching as the girl floats farther and farther from the shore. Surely Camellia doesn’t expect me to keep Clover with me on the supply run? Haven’t I been saddled with enough? Does she know what she’s asking?

After exhaling a weary sigh, I holler across the water, “Lady Clover, wait!”

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