Page 109 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“He’s at least fifteen years your senior,” Henrik says, sounding surprised.

I give him a knowing look. “Hence why he never noticed me.”

Henrik chuckles as he crosses his arms on the rail next to me.

“I know what it’s like to have your heart set upon someone unsuitable for you,” I say. “The last thing I want to do is crush Bartholomew, even if his feelings seem foolish to us.”

Henrik turns his head to study me. Though he doesn’t smile, I can see good humor shining in his shadowed eyes. “You said I am obnoxious.”

“Youareobnoxious, soldier.”

Laughing under his breath, he glances down. When he looks up, his expression is solemn. “I realized something tonight.”

“And what’s that?” I say carefully, sensing he’s finally ready to talk. I turn toward him, resting my elbow on the rail as I give him my full attention.

“What a fool you must have thought me when you first joined me on the supply run.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “I’ve thought many unsavory things about you, Henrik—many, many things. But I’ve never thought you a fool. Why would you think that?”

He looks at the city, gathering his thoughts before he speaks. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to climb the social ranks to become a nobleman, thinking there was honor in the position. But you were right. Carrying a title doesn’t make a person honorable, and it certainly doesn’t make them admirable. I’ve been chasing ideals, not even realizing I’m the only one clinging to my values.”

His emotions surround him like smoke, dark and heavy.

“Henrik,” I say gently, setting my hand on his arm. When he doesn’t turn, I give him a nudge, making him face me. “You’re looking at it wrong.”

He shoots me a skeptical look.

“You’re a beacon of light in a lake of selfish people. Their darkness doesn’t make you shine less brightly, and it’s certainly not your fault you reflected your glow upon them, not realizing it was yours all along. That doesn’t make you look foolish—it makes you a good man. One of very few.”

He shakes his head, and his face lines with grief. “You’re wrong, though. I’m as bad as the rest of them. I wanted Camellia because of what she represented, not even caring about the woman—and too blind to realize that she is honestly quite wicked.”

“Now that you’ve seen her for what she truly is, do you still want her?” I’m hoping to make a point, but I’m a little anxious to ask so bluntly. “She’s offered you the world—everything you’ve wanted and more. Are you not tempted?”

He grimaces, disgusted by the thought. “Certainly not.”

My concern eases. “That’s what makes you different.”

He stands next to me, pensive.

“Your goals are honorable, Henrik. By protecting the crown, you protect the people. By climbing the social ranks, you create a solid future for your sister. Don’t turn your back on everything you value because of one evil woman. Losing you would be a true loss for the kingdom. Caldenbauer needs knights like you.”

“Soldier,” he corrects absently, sounding as if he’s thinking over what I said.

“For now.”

“It seems you are full of wisdom tonight.” He offers me a smile. “I will heed your words.”

“Good,” I say lightly, pretending this wasn’t the heaviest conversation we’ve ever had.

“Camellia is married,” he says quietly.

“So I heard.”

I still can’t understand it. Why did she marry Augmirian?

Henrik drifts his hand down my arm. “Do you know what that means?”

It’s his gentle tone that catches my attention. I turn to him as the realization hits me for the first time. How could I be so stupid? Who cares what Camellia is plotting? She’smarried.

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