Page 53 of Fall of the Ember Throne (Crown and Crest 3)

“I cannot fix heartache, Clover,” he says gently. “I’m assuming you saw Henrik?”

Tears suddenly pool in my eyes, and I nod. Blinking quickly to chase them away, I clear my throat. “It looks as if… I mean, it appears…”

“You’re worried he’s forgotten about you?”

I bite my cheek hard, focusing on the pain as I nod. “He and Camellia seem to have grown close.”

“Impossible,” Pranmore scoffs. “Henrik would never befriend a woman who nearly killed you or his sister.”

I look back at him, knowing he’s right but unable to get the picture of them out of my mind. “He wouldn’t, right?”

“Not ever,” Pranmore says vehemently.

I stare at the elf, letting his certainty soothe my irrational fear. Taking another deep breath, I nod. “I’m all right now.”

He gives me a skeptical look. “Are you certain?”

“Sure.”

Laughing softly, he loops his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side in a friendly embrace.

I check to ensure no one is looking, but everyone’s attention is on the princess’s retinue. I look up at Pranmore’s antlers. “You know, if I were much taller, this would be impossible.”

He shakes his head, not bothering to be offended this time.

“You best release me,” I say. “I don’t want word to get around I’m competing for your affections. Someone might murder me in my sleep.”

“Honestly, Clover.” The elf chuckles as he lets me go. “You’re ridiculous.”

Grinning, I turn back toward the pier. Then my smile falls. “I think they’ve arrived.”

“I believe you’re right.”

“I should pretend I’m brave and join Lawrence. If Camellia thinks I’m hiding from her, she’ll be entirely too smug.”

“I’ll go with you,” Pranmore says, his tone growing solemn. “Just to be safe.”

Knights and guards part as we make our way to the pier. I step up to Lawrence’s side just in time to see Henrik offer Camellia a hand so she may exit the boat.

Fall, I whisper in my head, smiling as I imagine Camellia emerging from the bay soaking wet and covered in seaweed.

Sadly, she makes it to the pier safe and dry.

Lawrence steps forward, pasting a pleasant look on his face. “Hello, Camellia.”

She runs her eyes over him, smiling faintly as if amused. “Look at my baby brother, playing king.”

Around us, knights stiffen, preparing for a confrontation.

But Lawrence only grins, unruffled. “Look at you, playing High Vale Duchess.”

She laughs, and they share an embrace that’s awkward at best. I hold my breath, terrified she’s going to try to kill him right here and now.

Thankfully, they part without bloodshed.

Unable to help myself any longer, I turn my eyes on Henrik. But the commander doesn’t look my way. In fact, he seems oblivious to my presence. His attention is on Lawrence and Camellia, unwavering. He stands stoic, the perfect personal knight.

My heart aches as I drink him in. Was he always this handsome? This tall and strong and capable?

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