Page 112 of Fall of the Ember Throne (Crown and Crest 3)

“Apologize,” I repeat coldly, “and I will think about it.”

“Truly?” she whispers. “Henrik, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry—”

“But if I agree to your terms, youwillretract your magic from the necklaces before we marry.”

“I will,” she promises, dropping to the floor beside me. “I swear I will—just as soon as Lawrence and Clover exchange their vows.”

“You’ll give up sorcery.”

She hesitates, but then she nods. “All right.”

“And you will give Ferradelle back to the elves.”

Aghast at the idea, she says, “Why?”

“Because it’s what Mairea would have wanted—to see the dukedom go to her son.”

“Fine,” she agrees on a hiss. “But do not take this show of devotion lightly. I’m willing to give up everything for you.”

So am I.

I stand, needing to get away. “I’ll give you my answer in the morning.”

“Where are you going?” she asks, reaching for me as I leave.

“I’m not sleeping on the floor like your dog again tonight.”

“Henrik!”

I close the door, not interested in whatever she has to say.

27

CLOVER

“Duchess Alousia wanted to talk to you about the bridal tea,” Calla says as she and Barret escort me from the dining hall. “It’s been so pleasant lately; she’s thinking of holding it outside. She was hoping to meet with you this evening to discuss it.”

My ladies don’t know all that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. They don’t realize we’re on the precipice of change—good or bad.

Call me pessimistic, but I’m inclined to think it’s bad.

“Go for me—tell her it’s fine,” I say, my mind on Henrik. Though Lawrence returned, the commander wasn’t at dinner. Neither was Camellia.

Rumors have spread that the princess spent the day locked up in her quarters, but no one knows why.

“Clover, I can’t go in your place,” Calla chides. “You know that.”

“Then tell her I’ll meet her tomorrow. Would that be all right?”

“I suppose—”

“Good, why don’t you and Barret go now so she’s not waiting long.”

“We can’t leave you alone.” She glances behind us and then whispers, “It’s not safe.”

“It’s fine. Camellia has been preoccupied all day anyway. I doubt she’s prowling the halls now, hoping to take revenge on me.”

Calla crosses her arms, looking torn. But finally, she gives in. “Fine, we’ll go—but you must promise to head straight to your room.”

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