Page 20 of Black Crown

Only a few hours from Gemond.

Fly safe. Remember—

Remember the emperor was around last night?he asked, amusement floating through our connection.Funny enough, that completely slipped my mind.

I sniffed.Sarcasm is very unbecoming.

I find it sexy.

Umm . . .A thread of heat shot through me, and my mind blanked.

Why did your heart rate just increase? Why is your body warmer?

I’m . . . running.Holy Drae-babies, he could sense my reaction to him from a bajillion miles away?

Yes, I know, he said with a growl.You’re running from me. But I will catch you eventually. You’re mine, mate.

The deep rumble of his thought radiated through me, and I caught a glimpse of the two of us locked in an embrace. Was that a daydream?

“Uh . . . Ryn?” Lani shook my arm.

I squeaked, face flaming. “Yes?” I pulled my thoughts back to the Phaetyn in front of me, blinking as I noticed only Lani remained. “How can I help you?”

8

Kamini pulled together two upholstered chairs inside the large conference room in the Rose Castle. A glance over Lani’s head told me the room held a huge desk, several chairs, and what appeared to be a trickling stream to the right of an ash bar with small wine glasses set out across its top to the left.

Lani lowered her voice and jerked her head toward the doorway. “Are you coming in with me?”

“Come in with you,” I repeated, thickly. The lingering haze of my discussion with Tyrrik burned away, and I shook my head. “Right, Uh . . .” I wasn’t going to be there to hold Lani’s hand forever, and really, she didn’tneedme to. The gal was fifty, and now that Kamoi was gone, I’d lost the urgency for moral support. Lani and I were on the same page. Kamini was plenty smart, and honestly, I was hungry for something more than dried meat and day-old bread.

“No,” I said, reaching forward to squeeze her hand. I gave her a smile I hoped would be encouraging and added, “I trust you. Kamini’s smart, but you’re smarter, and you’ve got the perspective to make wise decisions. You’ll do great.”

Her face softened, and her mouth curved when my stomach growled. She arched a brow and laughed. “You’re going to eat, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes. I plan to partake in a bite or three. But I still trust you.” My stomach rumbled again because I really was hungry.

Lani’s laughter faded, and she stepped toward the doorway, heading after Kamini, but the Phaetyn queen turned back on the threshold, violet eyes shining. “Thank you for sticking up for me with Kamoi.”

I winked at her. “That’s what friends do.”

* * *

“Just a bite or two?”someone asked from above.

I recognized Lani’s voice and didn’t bother to open my eyes. The heat filtering through the trees combined with a slight breeze had me at the perfect snoozing temperature. The pale-green leaves of Queen Luna’s elm tree shaded my eyes, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle surrounded me. “What do you mean?”

“I mean you’re cradling your stomach like you’re pregnant.”

So I’d eaten more than a bite. The Phaetyn had chocolate, and I might’ve dipped fruit into the concoction for the better part of an hour. “I’m recovering my strength,” I lied, opening my eyes now that my peace was ruined. I sighed and looked at my Phaetyn friend. “Drae tend to eat a lot after flights.”

Lani raised her eyebrows, letting me know she wasn’t convinced, and then her gaze went to the tree trunk behind me. “This was my mother’s tree.”

“Yep.” I gazed up at the shriveled leaves. “It’s seen better days. When I was here last time, it was green and vibrant.”

“What happened?”

“With the tree?” I asked and then shook my head. “I have no idea.”

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