Page 94 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“He’s right,” Henrik whispers as soon as our uninvited callers leave. “You should go.”

“I don’t want to.” I hold onto him simply because I can.

“And I don’t want you to, but we have a sorceress to abduct.”

I sigh, closing my eyes with satisfaction.

“What is it?” Henrik asks, gently rubbing his hand over the small of my back.

“It feels good to have you finally believe me.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Can you forgive me?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re a good soldier, Henrik.”

“I’m your soldier now,” he vows quietly.

My heart nearly bursts.

“You promise?”

He stands, taking my hands. “I swear.”

* * *

I standin Lawrence’s room before we leave for the palace, asking for help only he can give.

It’s just the two of us, though I think Henrik will understand.

Lawrence looks skeptical. “So, you’re telling me that after all these years of begging me to marry you—”

“I never once begged you,” I protest.

“—you’ve now decided to rush to the altar with Henrik the Eligible?”

I snort. “You’ve got to stop that.”

“Not a chance.” He smirks as he adjusts the cuffs of his elven jacket. Like Henrik, he looks different in the High Vale attire.

“I’m not saying I’m going to marry him,” I say. “I just want the chance to…see.”

“Seewhat?”

“If this affection between us could be more. Surely you understand. Haven’t you ever felt anything for anyone?”

He stares at me for several seconds, looking perplexed.

“All right, no, you probably haven’t. But please, can’t you try to understand?”

“How do I look?” he asks, changing the subject as he extends his arms at his sides for inspection.

“Nice,” I answer, exasperated.

“Nice? Not devilishly handsome? Not roguishly charming?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m practically swooning. Truly, it’s a chore not to melt into a simpering puddle upon the floor now that a man who embodies sheer masculine perfection has allowed me to gaze upon him.”

“Better.” He grins.

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