Page 16 of The Stygian Crown

Kara held out her fingers as one of the troughs emptied, letting the water run over her hand and catching a stray coin.

“Tell me about yourself, Celine. You’re something of an enigma at court. All I know about you is that you fight.”

“You don’t find enigma appealing?”

“Maybe for a fortnight.”

Kara chuckled. “A straightforward man, then.”

“It’s why I went for the captaincy—no head for politics. I’ll leave that to my father and brothers.”

“What do your brothers do?”Besides torment their peers.

“It’d be faster to tell you what theydon’t. I’ve four of them.”

Kara smiled. “Humor me.”

“One’s running the estate with father, one captains a ship in the eastern sea, one joined the mother’s temple, and the youngest, goddess help him, joined a mercenary clan.”

Kara bit back her smile. “You disapprove?”

“The clans are the reason the crown is struggling. Urian gave them too much power during the Curse Wars.”

Kara decided to nudge him. “Who did he join? The Sanguines? I hear they’re the largest.”

“The bleeders of the people? No, thank the mother. He was curious about them—I’m glad he didn’t end up there. They would’ve been a bad influence. He’s already the unlikeable sort. He joined the Stygians. The people’s shadow.”

“I know what you mean. My brother—” Kara clamped her lips shut as she realized what she’d said. She’d let the eldest Kendrick son ease her off her guard. She had to be more vigilant, regardless of what was going on with Logan. He’d lured her up here out of sight, and she hadn’t even brought any weapons with her.

“You’ve a sibling? I didn’t know the earl had one child, let alone two. Are they a bastard?”

Kara’s heart thudded in her chest. “Not my actual brother, sorry. A childhood friend—as good as, since I grew up largely in solitude.”

Aidan furrowed his brow, but he didn’t push the issue. “Speaking of siblings, we received news that the princess is near. Calim’s masque will be held soon.”

“How exciting.”

“Will you save me a dance?”

“Of course. Though I’ll imagine you’ll have a busy night. I’ve seen the girls in the training yard.”

Aidan tugged at his collar. “They look at me like a piece of meat. You, however…”

Kara leaned against a wooden column by the clock face, each splash of water sending a light spray of droplets toward her. “How do I look at you?”

Aidan propped a hand over her head and leaned in towards her. “Like an equal.” His other hand traced her jaw, and Kara spotted the intention in his eyes. She ducked under his arm and spun around him before he could lean in for a kiss, flashing him a brilliant smile. “This must be the spot you bring all the girls. Very smooth.”

Aidan broke into a deep laugh. “We should go before the guards come searching for us.”

Kara fell asleep soon after they returned to the carriage, lulled by the rocking and steady shuffle of the horses’ hooves. She woke with a start as the carriage hit a rough patch of ground. She wiped drool from the corner of her mouth, and Aidan laughed.

“I’m sorry. It’s not a reflection on your company. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Not to worry. I appreciate a woman who knows how to relax. I’d hoped to show you some other spots in the city, but we can do it another day.”

Kara “Thank you for the lovely distraction.” She’d been able to keep her mind off Logan most of the day.

“My pleasure, Lady Grey.”

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