Page 16 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“I’m going with you.”

“No,” he says immediately. “This isn’t like the mountains, Clover. This is dangerous.”

Rolling my eyes, I take a seat at the small table I seldom use for entertaining. “You said the mountains were dangerous, too, and I somehow survived.”

“This is…” Agitated, he shoves a hand through his hair. “This ismoredangerous.”

“I’m going.”

“You’re not.”

“I am.” I narrow my eyes. “You just watch me.”

Henrik pauses, perhaps realizing that I plan to go over his head. “What are you plotting?”

Making up my mind, I stand. “What time is it?”

Henrik follows me to the door, growing increasingly nervous. “Just after two. Why?”

“Do you think he’s stumbled back to his bed yet? Or is it too early?”

Suddenly, Henrik’s tone grows cold. “Haswhostumbled back to his bed?”

Flashing the commander a winning smile, I step into the hall.

He catches me before I get very far, and his eyes dip to my dressing gown. “You’re not going to leave like that, are you?”

Flushing, I yank the fabric closed and then hurry into my bedchamber to change.

* * *

Lawrence looksbetween Henrik and me before I claim his full attention, less than impressed. Skeptically, he says, “Youwant to save my sister?”

“Not particularly. But I don’t feel comfortable waiting around the castle until someone drags her back either.” I lower my voice to a mock whisper. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but people suspectIhad something to do with her kidnapping.”

Lawrence groans as he thinks, shaking his head. “Father will never allow it.”

Smiling prettily, I say, “I didn’t plan on asking him. Why would I? Since when does the king care about the whereabouts of your sister’s ladies-in-waiting?”

“Since one is suspected of aiding in the abduction of Her Royal Highness,” Henrik deadpans from my side, earning a hard look from me.

Lawrence places his hand on my chin, turning my head so I face him once more. “What I meant was he’ll never allowmeto leave Cabaranth.”

Henrik goes very still next to me. “Why would you leave?”

The two men stare each other down in a way that would be flattering if it weren’t so uncomfortable.

“I told Clover she wasn’t to stray from my side until we brought Camellia home,” Lawrence says. “If she insists on going after my wretched sister, I must go as well.”

“No.” Henrik shakes his head. “You’re not coming with me.”

A dark, subtle smile spreads over Lawrence’s face, and I almost laugh out loud. Henrik might not realize it, but he just dug his own grave. Never tell a prince as prideful as Lawrenceno.

“What was that,blacksmith?” Lawrence demands in a superior tone. “Do you now decide which missions the head of the entire royal military is allowed to join?”

Henrik squares his jaw, but he doesn’t respond.

Lawrence turns his attention back to me. “You know, Clover, it would be nice to do something proactive instead of languishing around the castle while waiting for news. I will allow you to accompany Henrik on the mission—and I will join you.”

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