Page 111 of The Darkness Within Us

“Identify,” Nico repeats. “That means figure out what it’s called.”

“And did you figure it out?” I ask.

“Yes!” Nico grabs the book from where Kyros set it on a side table and rushes over to me.

I bend at the knees to be on his level.

“Look, Duchess. It had stripes on its head just like this picture. It’s a tree frog. Did you know some frogs like to play in trees as well as lakes?”

“I didn’t know that.”

“They’re the tiniest frogs found in our area. The biggest only reach a couple of inches. They can be different colors, but the one I saw was green! Duchess, might I keep this book? I want to identify more frogs.”

“I don’t think that’s a great idea,” Kyros says. “You’re not exactly gentle on books yet, and you might drop it in the creek.”

“I would never drop it! Then how would I identify frogs?”

“He’s welcome to keep it,” I say. “I prefer fiction, so someone ought to find some use out of that one.” Besides, it was part of Pholios’s collection, and I’m happy to give away that old toad’s things.

“Thank you, Duchess!” Nico grips me in a hug and runs off with the book before his father can say anything else about it.

“I hope that was all right?” I ask.

“You spoil him,” Kyros says, but by the way he says it, I know he means it playfully.

“How can you not? He’s the most adorable boy in the world.”

“And he knows it, too.”

I laugh.

“How can I be of service, Chrysantha?” Kyros asks.

“I just came to the library in search of a distraction.” I meant the words harmlessly enough, but Kyros gleans another meaning from them entirely.

“I would happily be a distraction for you.”

I shut my eyes, hoping to feel something, anything at all. Some heat. Butterflies. A tingle.

But this man, kind and sincere as he is, does nothing for me.

It is a wicked man I want.

“I appreciate the offer, both this one and others you’ve made. But I think…” Oh, why is this so hard? “I think I would like things to remain as they are between us. You are a dear friend, Kyros. My closest, perhaps, but I don’t think there is more here for us.”

Even once Eryx is out of the way, it’s not going to change my lack of feelings. Maybe… given enough time, but it’s cruel to keep Kyros waiting.

Kyros smiles sadly. “I understand. I did mean what I said before. I am and always will be your friend. Nothing could change that.”

“You’re too good for me,” I say, and I really, really mean it.

ACOUPLE OF HOURS LATER,Doran finds me in the library. I lower the new romance I’d started, about a king and queen whose marriage was arranged, yet they begin to fall for each other.

“Your Grace, the duke has asked that you please join him outside. I believe he has a lakeside outing planned. Possibly a boat ride.”

“All right. Will you please grab my shawl?”

“Of course.”

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