Page 11 of Fall of the Ember Throne (Crown and Crest 3)

“Henrik?” a rough voice says.

I turn to face my father, saying nothing.

His eyes travel over me, but there’s no warmth in his expression. “I wondered when you’d finally show your face.”

He brushes past me, pulling a key from his heavy work apron. With a creak of the hinges, the door swings open.

“All high and mighty now, aren’t you?” he continues. “Serving the princess herself.”

“It seems I’m not the only one.” I follow him in, working my jaw. I know what I truly want to say—I want to ask how he could blindly follow Camellia and then demand he tell me what he was thinking creating all those talvernum necklaces.

I want to ask him if he knew one was intended for his daughter’s throat.

But I know even he’s not that wretched. He was blinded by money and glory, thinking he was finally doing something worthwhile. Something to take pride in.

“You gonna talk, boy, or did you come to stare at me?” Father says gruffly as he turns back to face me. His eyes drop to my injured arm, but he doesn’t mention it.

“Did you finish the armor you were creating for Camellia?” I ask.

He begins straightening his workspace, gathering tools and scraps of metal. “About a week ago. I’ve already given it to the princess.”

“What did she want it for?”

He glances up, his eyes partially hidden under his heavy graying eyebrows. “It’s a wedding gift for the duke.”

“Why would she have you make such a thing?”

“How should I know?”

“You made it from a talvernum alloy, just as you made the necklaces.”

“Who am I to question the princess?” Father sneers. “She provided the materials, and I did as I was asked—for a lot better pay than Algernon ever gave me, I’ll tell you that.”

“What good could possibly come from talvernum necklaces?” I demand. “You realize they can be charmed, don’t you?”

“Wouldn’t be a point in using the metal if that weren’t the intention.”

Growing irritated with his complete lack of concern, I step forward and lower my voice. “And when you agreed to make all these, did you know Camellia is a sorceress? Did you realize she’s been using blood magic?”

Father glances up to make sure he won’t be overheard, but he doesn’t meet my eyes. “What do I care what she has planned for the elves?”

Shaking my head, I turn to go, wondering how much Father knows of Camellia’s plans but unable to bring myself to ask him. My stomach feels hollow, and I’m afraid I’ll lose what little respect I have left for him if I learn more.

I pause as I step through the door. “She gave a necklace to Brielle.”

“What?” Father says sharply, finally showing some emotion. “Your sister is at Dulnmarin’s.”

“She’s here. Camellia fetched her from school and is using her to control me with one of the necklaces you created.”

I leave without waiting for his answer.

* * *

I’ve barely steppedinto my quarters when an impatient knock sounds at the door. I glance around before answering it, making sure Maisel isn’t here.

When I’m confident the gnome is absent, I open the door. Immediately, Camellia pushes her way inside. She shoves her hands through her golden hair and groans like the day has been too long.

“Please, come inside, Your Highness,” I deadpan, wishing my patience was infinite.

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