Page 90 of Fall of the Ember Throne (Crown and Crest 3)

I’ll make it brief,I silently promise him.

“Clover,” he finally says.

“We’re done, Henrik,” I respond softly. “We talked about it last night. Why did you ask me to meet you again?”

For the briefest moment, confusion flickers over the commander’s face.

Before he can say something and ruin my carefully planned monologue, I continue, “I love Lawrence—you know that.” My throat tries to thicken like an invisible hand is clamped around my neck, but I press on. “Do not destroy my chance with him because we had a fling in the mountains. It was fun, yes. But it didn’t mean anything.”

The commander’s expression flickers, stung by the sharp lies.

Looking away, I say, “And you still care for Camellia.”

Henrik exhales slowly, dropping his head as if he’s afraid his expression will give something away.

“I know things feel unresolved between us, but it’s time to part ways,” I continue. “Don’t ask me to meet you again—I won’t come.”

Henrik looks up, his eyes intent on mine. I stare at him for several heartbeats, feeling broken.

Know that I love you. Even if I haven’t been brave enough to tell you, don’t doubt it.

Then I turn, waiting for something to happen—anything. But the night is silent, and a sliver of me begins to doubt. What if it was a lie? What if Camellia wasn’t behind this, and Lawrence simply wanted to build a wall between Henrik and me…

No.

I won’t doubt my friend like that. And Maisel wouldn’t betray me. Henrik knows what this was—nothing more than an act to thwart Camellia’s spiteful plans.

I have to believe that, or I will never be able to forgive myself for the lies I just spoke.

A breeze blows through the garden, chilling my cheeks and nose. I hold my dagger in my hand as I walk, not trusting Camellia to leave me be.

However, I make it back to the castle without incident. But I don’t go back to my room. Instead, I knock on a door, holding my composure only until Pranmore answers.

“Clover,” he says, startled to see me at this hour.

No longer able to hold in my tears, I fall apart as I step forward. Immediately, Pranmore pulls me into the room and closes the door.

“What’s wrong?” he demands softly. “What happened?”

I look up at him, tears streaming down my face. “I had to do something awful.”

22

HENRIK

I watch Clover go, nearly sick with relief.

Maisel told her.

The words were for show. We never said we were going to end things last night, and Clover knows I certainly have no feelings for Camellia.

But her rejection still cut deep.

With a sigh, I sit on the ledge of the fountain, giving Clover plenty of time to navigate the gardens and return to the safety of the castle. I can only hope she didn’t come alone, especially now that Camellia’s plot didn’t go the way the princess expected.

Once I’m certain we won’t meet on the way back, I begin walking. Moments later, Camellia steps from the shadows, joining me. Dalvin, Bendon, and several of her elven guards aren’t far behind.

“That didn’t go as I expected,” she finally says, her tone agitated. “Did you warn her?”

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