Page 19 of The King's Man 3

“The parcel in there...” Quin says, and I find the fabric-wrapped bundle he had with him at the burial mounds.

I pull it onto my lap and rummage inside to the cool touch of leather and paper. Grandfather’s research. My lips wobble into a soft smile. I hug them against my chest and breathe in their musty scent. “Thank you.”

“You helped Mother.”

“That was Mikros and Makarios—”

“She has a chance because ofyou. Thank you.”

There’s an ache in my chest. I attempt a smile. “His majestyismost effusive in his praise.”

Quin laughs low, but it’s short lived.

A few quiet beats pass. “What happened, after I ‘died’?”

“My uncle watched while Apex-vitalian Chiron examined you. A second vitalian confirmed. Then an angry official charged in with a crude knife to stab you in the heart for your treason.”

“I know how it ends... but,” I gulp, “what happened next?”

“Chiron stopped him with a shield. Said I’d given orders for an intact body and asked if he intended to betray me too.”

“Vitalian Chiron said that?”

I poke my head out and Quin reaches without looking to tug the curtain back in place. My sigh billows the fabric.

“I’m used to faking, but...” His voice is hollow. “Those minutes were the toughest act of my life.”

I sense a certain gravity to his tone. I sigh again. “So far.”

“What do you mean,so far?”

“Let’s see what other parts you’ll need to play on our journey.”

Quin opens the curtain this time, his focus sharp and unwavering. “Once you’re safely away from the capital, our paths will part.”

“You’ll travelalone?”

“It could take months to gather proof and support. It’ll be dangerous.”

“Then you better take me with you. As your vitalian.”

“Ijustsaved your life. Live. Love.Leave. Do what makes you happy.”

“Youmake me happy.”

Quin glances away, his shoulders tightening as though he’s debating whether to hold back his words. “Unbelievable.”

“Learn to live with it,” I reply breezily. “Helping you is helping our kingdom.”

I’ll show him. I’ll make him see that keeping me close isn’t a burden—it’s necessary.

There’s a longer pause followed by his quiet sigh. “What about yourpersonalhappiness?”

I touch the golden feather.

Quin shifts his hands and a gust hurtles our boat downstream.

I grab hold of the cabin frame. “He loves you, and I hurt you. I disappointed him deeply.”

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