Page 6 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“If you care for her at all, continue to watch her,” he says, taking me by surprise. “With everything going on, I’d feel better if I knew you were looking out for her. It’s not that I don’t trust Lawrence to keep her safe…”

He trails off, but we both know there’s no reason for him to finish the sentence. What brother would trust our wretched prince?

But how can I swear to Denny that I’ll take care of Clover when she very well could be behind Camellia’s disappearance?

She’s not.

My gut tells me there is no way, but my mind won’t have it until I can gather more evidence.

“I’ll do my best,” I hedge.

“Are you serious about her?”

“Serious?” I manage, feeling my throat thicken.

He crosses his arms. “My father will never allow Clover to marry a commoner. You know that, don’t you?”

My muscles tense, but I give him a tight nod. It’s hypocritical of the count, considering his wife was a shepherdess. But who am I to point that out?

And Clover and I aren’t together, so what do I care? We were simply two people on a mission, and now we’ve returned. She’ll go back to her life, and I’ll go back to mine—just as she said the night before we returned to Fort Lintanry.

“How long do you think it will take you to earn your seal?” Denny asks.

Slowly, my defenses lower. “I’m sorry?”

He watches me intently. “Don’t touch Clover before then. Respect her family—wait until you can court her properly.”

And then he turns down the hall, leaving me staring after him like a dolt.

“Henrik,” a weary voice says from behind me. “You’re back.”

Pushing all other thoughts from my mind, I turn and bow before the king. “Your Majesty.”

“Have you heard the news?” Algernon asks, sounding as if he’s aged another five years in the short time I’ve been away from Cabaranth. “My Camellia…”

His voice breaks as he fights to compose himself. I look at the red runner on the floor, giving him time.

“Bartholomew—is he safe?” he finally manages. “And Lady Clover as well? Before he left, Lawrence said you might know her whereabouts.”

“They were with me, and yes, they are safe.”

“Let us speak in my study,” he finally says.

As soon as we’re inside, he presses the doors closed. With solemn eyes, he begins, “I need you to find Camellia for me, Henrik. I know I’ve given you more duties than is right for a commanding soldier, but I trust you with this task. When you bring back my daughter, and find the villain who is to blame, I will give you your seal. No more trials, no more missions. It will be yours.”

“Your Majesty, I—”

“Everyone is at a loss.” He turns from me, clutching his head. “She vanished without a trace—just a dead man in her quarters and she and several of her ladies gone. I have no idea what to make of it.” He turns back, looking haggard and desperate. “Do you have any idea who might have done this? Any clue where Camellia went? People have said… They’ve claimed my daughter is fond of you. That you might have information we do not. Please, Henrik, I beg of you, tell me you knowsomething.”

I flounder for an answer, not ready. I feel as if someone pulled a rug from under my feet and I’ve been thrown off balance. I didn’t expect this, not yet. It’s too soon—I haven’t put my thoughts in order, haven’t done an investigation of my own. I can’t throw Clover into the fire if I’m anything less than certain.

Clenching my hand into a fist at my side, I shake my head. “No, Your Majesty.”

I’ve lied to my king.

Algernon’s shoulders sag, and he stumbles to his seat, looking as if I was his last chance and I’ve destroyed him.

I hang my head, hating both myself and Camellia for putting me in this position.

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