Page 108 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“I do,” I say quietly.

“He just happens to be capable as well,” Bartholomew grouches.

And charming, but I probably don’t need to add that.

“He’s too perfect, isn’t he?” I joke. “It’s obnoxious.”

Bartholomew leans a smidgen closer. “Incredibly obnoxious.”

Henrik hides a smile, turning away so Bartholomew won’t see.

“If you stay with him, you can learn to be capable, too,” I say. “Then you’ll be obnoxious as well.”

“Do you think?” he asks, brightening considerably.

“I’m confident.”

“Thank you, Lady Clover.” He looks at his lap. “I came to console you, and you’ve bolstered my spirits instead.”

“I feel better,” I assure him, and I realize it’s true.

Now is not the time to sulk. Finally, I’ve been given the opportunity to overturn Camellia’s perfect world.

I will do everything in my power to ensure the princess will be held accountable for her crimes.

* * *

Henrik findsme on an upper balcony that overlooks the southern side of Revalane. The landscape twinkles with thousands of lights thanks to the city’s oil network. Tall, iron lamps glow from the walkways, and light shines from windows like stars. Even the dories transporting passengers down the canals have lamps hanging from posts, looking like fireflies as they float along the water.

“It’s amazing a city in the middle of the swamp can be this beautiful,” I say when the commander joins me at the railing. Suddenly feeling something upon my skin, I swat at my neck.

“Beautiful,” he agrees, “but riddled with pests.”

“Oh, come now,” I joke, “the High Vales aren’t that bad.”

Henrik laughs quietly, but then he falls silent.

“Maisel left,” I say.

She slipped out while I was talking with Bartholomew. Once again, she didn’t bother to say goodbye.

“I believe so,” he answers, his voice heavy. “I’m sorry.”

“I suppose I’ll get used to it eventually.” I steal a peek at him, sensing there’s a subject he wants to broach.

“What is it?” I ask, looking back at the lights, a little uneasy.

“You were kind to Bartholomew tonight,” he says, though I know that’s not what’s actually on his mind.

“When have I ever been cruel to him?”

He shakes his head. “You know what I mean.”

“Are you familiar with Sir Trevlin?”

“I am. He’s a knight commander serving in Ladora.”

“When I was Bartholomew’s age, I thought I was madly in love with that man. Oh, if he’d only looked my way.”

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