Page 27 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“You’re going to have to rely on your good looks for attention tonight,” Clover says with a laugh, causing me to look at her sharply.

When she realizes I’m watching her, she meets my eyes and shrugs a shoulder as if to say, “What?”

What indeed. I wipe the expression from my face, remembering that we are not together,cannotbe together, and Clover very well might be asorceress.She is free to flirt with the man she intends to marry if she so pleases.

I care not.

Not even when Lawrence ambles toward Clover, raising his brows and giving her a once-over that makes me want to punch him. “You think my title is a crutch, do you?”

Dismissing me, Clover grins. “I didn’t say that. But now that you mention it…”

His smile grows. “You don’t think I can win people over with my charm and good looks?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” She tugs at her earlobe, casually playing. “How about we make a wager? Let’s see if you’re actually as appealing as you think.”

Ayan steps forward. “I want in on this. What are the terms?”

“Who said I agreed to a bet?” Lawrence demands, pressing an offended hand to his chest.

“If you’re not ready to put your money where your mouth is, I’ve already won,” Ayan says smugly.

“Fine.” Lawrence squares up to Ayan. “But if I have to keep my title hidden, you have to keep your ridiculous heir tale to yourself.”

Ayan extends his hand. “Deal.”

Pranmore steps next to me as they shake, frowning. “What exactly are they betting upon?”

“Who’s more of a scoundrel,” Bartholomew says with a disgusted shake of his head. “They’re talking about women.”

Pranmore wrinkles his nose. “That’s crass.”

Ayan jerks his head to me, “You want in on this, Henrik?”

Lawrence laughs. “Leave him out of it. He’s as good as betrothed to my serpent sister.”

“What’s wrong, Lawrence?” Clover says casually, flashing me a teasing look. “Afraid Henrik will best you both?”

“I don’t want any part in this.” I cross my arms, wondering if I can manage to eat at a different tavern altogether.

“Fine.” Ayan nods toward Bartholomew and Pranmore. “Kid, you’re too young. What about you, Woodmore?”

He then laughs, apparently amused at the idea of Pranmore competing against him.

Pranmore narrows his eyes. “I have no desire to participate in something so shameful.”

“Noted,” Ayan says before he turns back to Lawrence. “Looks like it’s just us.”

Lawrence grins as he gets on his horse. “I apologize in advance for making a fool out of you, but I look forward to taking your money.” He pauses. “You have money, don’t you?”

“Sure,” Ayan lies smoothly.

Without waiting for the rest of us, they ride toward the edge of the property, eager to begin their game.

“Look what you’ve started,” I say to Clover when she steps up next to me. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Ashamed?” she says smugly. “Hardly. I’ve arranged a free evening for myself—I might be able to eat in peace. Let someone else put up with them tonight.”

I study her for a moment, suppressing a smile. “The more I get to know you, the more wicked I realize you are. You’re sure you’re not a sorceress?”

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