Page 47 of The King's Maiden

Not even his best friend.

If Kingston said he needed me, I had no choice but to agree. I took my duty to him, as the King of Camelot Court, seriously. And whatever qualms I had about The Quest, he’d asked me to prepare one Maiden for the challenge ahead.

He’d known my feelings on the subject.

Yet, he’d asked anyway.

I hadn’t been happy about it, but I trusted he had his reasons. Even if he hadn’t shared them with me at the time.

More often than not, Kingston kept his cards close to his chest by design. And there were some things I didn’t want to know. My panic at the pharmacy came to mind before I forced it away.

Some things, I couldn’t stand to remember.

Reservations aside, I wouldn’t fail him.

I couldn’t.

My initial approach involved boundaries. Keeping things as separate as possible. Maintaining lines to ensure nodelusionsaroseover my intentions.

At least, that had been my plan going into the Maiden Selection.

Before I met her.

Before I found out the truth.

Kingston chose her for more than Camelot Court. He thought she could be a chance at happiness for him. Something that had seemed impossible given the stipulations his family placed on his future.

He deserved that.

I wouldn’t wish his life on anyone. I wouldn’t wish any of our lives on someone else. But if that could change…

Keeping her at arm’s length had become even more important. And more challenging.

The request already crossed the lines of a normal favor between friends. Quinn Everly would be right in front of me for twenty-one straight days. And I’d be expected to test and explore her limits, ensuring she could handle the second challenge within the first thirty days of The Quest.

Kingston accepted what I’d have to do.

He trusted me.

And that meant everything.

So, I’d have to trust him, too. While he kept his distance to dispel the rumors, I’d do my job as carefully as possible. Remaining aloof so she didn’t seek anything more. Avoiding getting too close while she lived in my room, shared my space, and slept in my bed.

Alone, of course.

In the hopes only one of us would spend the next three weeks fighting temptation.

But after meeting her…

Seeing the way she responded to even the slightest touch. Witnessing the war in her dark brown eyes as she obeyed my commands. I didn’t know if it would be her or me.

No. It wouldn’t be me.

Itcouldn’tbe.

Inside the Round Tableau, Kingston waited in the center of the room. Surrounded by the other Knights standing at their doors, his head was bent as he talked quietly with Merle.

But his eyes lifted when I walked through the door, finding mine. His knitted brows and slight frown betrayed his concern. He let them slip from behind the mask before he shuttered his expression.

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