Page 24 of Rise of the Phoenix King (Crown and Crest 4)

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We stay a while longer, trying to find a physical way to get past the golem’s defenses, but with no luck.

Giving up for the time being, we leave the vault, ensuring it’s secured behind us. Four guards stand on duty, with instructions to open the vault for the king and no one else.

With a few minutes to spare, I go to Clover’s quarters, hoping she’s alone. Calla hasn’t taken the news of Barret’s disappearance well, and Clover, Hyacinth, and Lavender are often with her.

I knock on the door, glad to be standing in the lady’s hall. Clover returned to her own quarters after the engagement was broken—away from Lawrence.

Back to me.

I hear footsteps on the other side of the door, and then it swings open.

“I’m not staying in Cabaranth while you go to Heistone,” Clover says immediately, standing tall as if she’s preparing herself for an argument.

“It could be dangerous,” I warn, though I have no intention of leaving her behind.

“Which is exactly why you need me.” Her eyes light with mischief. “Who will protect you if not me?”

I step into the room, drawing her away from the door so I can shut it. “I doubt your bow will be much help against golems.”

“I’m a shadow rogue, remember?” She grins. “I was a decoy bride, protecting Audra from certain death.”

I scoff with a smile. “You can lie to everyone except me.”

Determined, she narrows her eyes. “Don’t ask me to stay behind now.”

“I wasn’t going to.” I study her with a smile, knowing she’s as skilled as any of our master archers. We’ve been through worse. “But for my sanity, remain close to Pranmore when we reach the city.”

A smile dawns on her face, bright enough it’s disorienting. “I will.”

My fingers itch to touch her.

“I can see your indecision.” Clover steps into me and wraps her arms around my waist. “Have you changed your mind? Are you allowed to kiss me now?”

I nearly groan.

But I tamp back my physical response and say, “Bartholomew’s words etched themselves into my brain. I want to be the man he believes me to be, and I will deny myself as necessary.”

“Yes, but you revel in the self-discipline,” she scoffs. “The only person you’re truly torturing is me.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. Clover drops her arms, smiling in a way that tells me she understands—hates it, but understands.

“Lawrence has placed me in charge, which means you’ll be under my command,” I say, changing the subject. “You must listen to me like any other soldier.”

Her smile becomes wicked. “Yes, commander.”

“And you won’t cause trouble.”

“Trouble?” she asks innocently.

I give her a pointed look. “No shooting at guards.”

“He deserved it,” she feels the need to remind me.

“I’ll meet you in the courtyard with the others,” I say when the urge to touch her becomes too great. “Don’t be long, all right?”

Clover nods, but she catches my hand before I reach the door.

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