Page 76 of Knight from the Ashes (Crown and Crest 1)

“I do not talk in my sleep,” I hiss.

“You do.”

What did I saythistime?

With a quiet huff, I turn back to my bedroll. I gingerly sit on it, shivering as the slight breeze ruffles my hair, grateful for the heat charm Bartholomew gave me.

But I’m too terrified to lie down. What if the monster wakes and decides to climb the outcrop?

“Go to sleep,” Henrik insists. “I’m just resting my eyes—I’ll stay awake.”

“That’s what they all say. In all that studying you’ve done for your seal, you’ve never read any of the children’s tales?”

Henrik laughs, and then he falls quiet as if he’s thinking. After a long moment, he says, “If you’re worried…then come over here and keep me awake.”

Unexpected heat washes over me, and it has nothing to do with Bartholomew’s charm.

He didn’t mean—obviously not. It’s Henrik. Lawrence didn’t call him Henrik the Valiant for nothing.

But that doesn’t keep my cheeks from flushing or my heart from deciding it’s a perfectly good time to run a sprint. Feeling like one of my vapid peers, I resist the urge to fan my face.

One thing is for certain—I don’t trust myself to go over there.

And yet, here I am, tugging my bedroll next to Henrik’s. I drop onto it, sitting with my legs crossed as I face him. “Only because I want to be sure the aynauth eats you first if it should climb up here.”

Henrik laughs softly and pushes himself up, matching my position.

“Are you cold?” I pull the necklace over my head. “I’ll share.”

“How?”

Gulping—and glad he can’t tell in the dark—I take his hand and set my wrist on top of his so they’re crossed. I then loop the chain around them both. “Like this.”

“That’s not very comfortable.”

“Fine,” I say, pulling away. “Be cold.”

But before I can escape, Henrik turns his wrist and captures my hand in his. He looks up, and his eyes meet mine in the dark night. “This seems more efficient.”

“Oh,” I say. “I get it now.”

His lips twitch. “What?”

“I’m dreaming again.”

“Do you often dream about me, Clover?” The slight catch in his voice makes my stomach flutter.

“Only on the good nights.”

Even though I’m teasing, Henrik’s fingers jump against mine, and his lips part with surprise. His gaze moves to our clasped hands, and slowly—as if he’s mesmerized by the sight—he twines his fingers through mine.

Now IknowI’m dreaming. But…

I’m positive I’m awake.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he says. “It’s been on my mind for some time now, but I haven’t had the nerve to bring it up.”

His tone is so serious, I’m a little nervous. “Yes?”

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