Page 48 of The Crownless Prince

Thorne eyed Edwin with a bit of smugness. “Do you now?”

“We’re grateful for your magnanimity in giving us a place in your esteemed household,” Marcus said. “We only desire to humbly serve you on this joyous day. But if you wish to beat us and send us away for our presumption, that is your right, my lord.”

The upward curl of Thorne’s mouth was positively gloating as he released Marcus’s chin. “Yes,” he said softly, “it is my right.”

His punch crashed into Marcus’s abdomen, and Marcus stumbled back into the closed door with a gasp. Edwin clenched his fists but didn’t move.

“Bow, then.” Thorne sneered. “Prove to me you understand your place.”

“Yes, my lord.” Marcus doubled over in a bow.

“Lower.”

Gritting his teeth, he knelt beside Edwin.

“Lower. Both of you.”

In his mind, Marcus called Thorne every epithet he knew, but he bowed until his forehead touched the carpet. Edwin did the same beside him.

“Look at me.”

Marcus looked up to find Thorne crouching before him, holding the silver hair stick in his human hand.

He flexed his scale-covered hand, then placed a claw under Marcus’s chin. “Be a meek, perfect little servant, then. This is your last chance.”

Marcus gulped. The sensation of his throat bobbing against the sharp tip of Thorne’s claw made sweat form on the back of his neck. “Yes, my lord.”

Chapter 22

Adriana twisted back and forth in front of her vanity mirror, admiring her reflection. Leena beamed at her, her hands clasped over her heart.

“Oh, Your Highness! You look like a dream!”

“Thank you.”

She shifted again, enjoying the play of the light in the tiny glass beads sewn onto the fabric belt of the eggshell-blue gown. White sleeves were fitted to her arms, while eggshell fabric flowed down from bands on her upper arms that were also studded with glass beads. The skirt swished around her legs and a short train trailed after her, and a silver circlet set with five glittering diamonds rested on her forehead. Leena had taken extra time with Adriana’s curls, and they were the closest to ringlets she’d ever managed to make them, the hair oil making them soft and luscious.

A girlish blush crept into her cheeks. Would Marcus also think she looked beautiful? She hoped so. Thinking of Marcus made her stomach clench. So many things could go wrong—

A firm, loud knock sounded on the door. It was time.

Adriana’s heart felt like it was trying to crawl into her throat as she turned toward the door. Leena paused with her hand on the doorhandle and looked back at Adriana, only opening the door when she nodded.

The door swung open to reveal a group of people clustered in the hallway, all dressed in their finest tunics and gowns. Lucien Thorne stood at the head of the procession, an aloof expression on his face and his silver hair stick protruding from the back of his braids as always. Her mouth went dry, and she had to force herself to remain calm. This was the plan—unless something had gone wrong.

Father and Jairus flanked her groom, and Jairus chewed on his lower lip as he observed Lucien from the corner of his eye. Behind them, two knights and ladies watched, serving as the bridal escort—traditionally to ensure the bride and groom neither ran away nor were kidnapped or replaced en route to the wedding.

Adriana resisted the urge to wipe her clammy hands on her skirt as she crossed the room.Please have worked, please—

Lucien’s gaze fell on her, and his jaw went slack. His eyes filled with a familiar, tender longing, and…were those tears? Either it had worked, or Lucien was shockingly emotional about marrying her. But which was it?

He cleared his throat. “You look beautiful, Adriana.” It wasn’t quite Lucien’s voice, more like someone mimicking Lucien, but it was close enough. If she hadn’t been expecting himnotto be Lucien, she likely wouldn’t have noticed. Still, the cautious part of her didn’t dare believe yet. Not until he’d confirmed it.

Lucien stepped into the room, holding out his arm to her. His boot knocked into the small stand beside the door, sending the pottedgooseberry on it crashing to the ground. He startled, then bent forward to peer at the mess of dirt, broken pottery, and mangled leaves.

“Ah. Forgive me, little plant. I didn’t notice you in my haste.” He turned back to Adriana and winked. “I’ll get you another.”

A full smile broke onto her face, tears of joy threatening her own eyes, and she gladly took Marcus’s arm. It was worth sacrificing her plant for the secret message that told her the plan was working.

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