Page 84 of Rise of the Phoenix King (Crown and Crest 4)

This morning, Henrik assigned territories to the seventy-six Woodmores who came to our aid, creating thirty-eight search groups. Each will be joined by ten specialized, high-ranking soldiers, a captain, and three High Vales. Still, that’s not enough to stop Camellia should she plan another large attack.

Hopefully, we’ll find her quickly.

Our wedding has been postponed indefinitely, no one able to guess when Henrik will have a moment to spare.

I hide a yawn behind my hand, perched in a soft chair in Calla’s sitting room, my mind wandering as I ponder where Camellia might be hiding. Though the princess could be anywhere, I imagine she’s near Cabaranth. She’d want to see some of the chaos she’s created firsthand; I’m certain of it.

“That was kind of him,” Lavender says. “Don’t you think, Clover?”

I blink at the girls, trying to recall what we’re talking about. “Hmm?”

“Denny,” Hyacinth says, shooting me a look. “He asked Calla to walk through the gardens with him this morning.”

I make a noise of agreement.

“You’re not listening, are you?” Lavender chastises.

“Where do you think Camellia’s holed up?” I ask.

“Somewhere far away,” Calla says scathingly. “Hiding under a big rock with the other slithering things.”

“Legends say ghosts stay close to the place they died,” Lavender muses. “Maybe that’s the same for Camellia…whatever she is.”

“Yes, but ghosts aren’t real,” Hyacinth says with a roll of her eyes.

“Are you so sure about that?” Lavender counters. “Then what’s Camellia?”

An excellent question.

“Necromancers can animate the dead,” I say after clearing my throat. “But they’re not sentient—more like puppets. So there really are no ghosts.”

Lavender shudders, running her hand down her long, black hair. “You don’t think Camellia would do that, do you?”

“Why would she need to?” Calla asks. “She has an army of golems and a healthy following of disposable necromancers.”

I stand, suddenly eager to stretch my legs. The whole situation makes me feel helpless, and I hate it. There are too many unknowns and nothing corporal to fight.

“Where are you going?” Calla asks.

“I’m going to take a walk.”

“Are you supposed to go alone?” Lavender widens her deep blue eyes. “Is that safe?”

“As far as I know, Camellia hasn’t attacked during the day.”

Though they look uneasy, they let me go.

I’m lost in my thoughts, toying with my dagger, when I turn the corner and spot Henrik ahead. He pauses in the hall, a tired smile spreading across his face. I’m stricken in place by the sight of it, feeling as if my day is suddenly so much better.

“I was looking for you.” He comes toward me, his strides long and sure. My heart beats a little faster, in time with his footfalls.

“How did you escape?” I tease when he stops in front of me.

He takes my hand. “I’m not needed right now.”

“Oh, Henrik.” I give him a smile that’s likely too tired to look as flirtatious as I would like. “You’re always needed.”

He offers his arm. “Walk with me?”

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