Page 53 of The Stygian Crown

Kara wished she could freeze this moment. Logan was so happy and carefree, hair mussed from lovemaking, the shadow that always followed him banished.

“But the ruse—”

“Is likely blown anyways. And I worry less about your safety if you’re close by. I’ll take Lady Grey off the marriage mart if I must. I’ve ruined her after all,” he said, eyes dancing.

Kara stilled. “Are you serious?” How could he speak of marriage when they’d never even spoken of love? When she was still outcast from the clan? Surely he meant a fake engagement of sorts—another layer for the disguise.

“Deadly.”

Kara tried to stuff down her disappointment. “Merry is going to be very confused. She thinks my heart’s for Viscount Kendrick.”

A menacing growl rolled from Logan’s chest. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “You really are an animal.”

“Like attracts like.”

“He’s Jasper’s brother, you know.”

“All the more reason not to like him. Now, enough talk of Kendrick. I believe you and I have an appointment.”

Kara squealed as Logan swept her into his arms and rose from the bed, heading for the bath.

* * *

Kara returnedto her room to gather the essentials she’d need if she was staying with Logan. When she opened the armoire, there was a red glow coming from its depths. Kara dug through her pile of keystones for the glowing one, pushing aside skirts and random items she’d chucked in there.

The rune on the stone glowed a bright red. It was one from the library, according to her labeling. Kara pricked her finger with her dagger and touched her blood to the rune.

The first sounds that came out of the rock were rustling skirts and a breathy moan.

“Not here,” a feminine voice said. “Someone might see.”

There was a male chuckle and the creak of a door.

Kara smiled. She’d yet to see anyone use the library for reading besides Calim.

The runestone pulsed, and a new recording began playing. It featured a maid humming a tune to herself as she cleaned.

Kara was losing hope of hearing anything useful when the third recording began.

“Prince Rand. I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Kara stilled when she recognized Ariana’s voice.

“I’d like to spend some time with you, princess. Get to know one another. We’re due to be wed, but you’ve been avoiding me since I arrived. Am I not to your liking?”

“My brother hasn’t told you, has he?”

“Told me what?”

“He’s changed his mind. He won’t be announcing any betrothal. I assumed you wouldn’t want to see me after such news—”

“I saw the king this morning, and he said nothing of it.”

“I apologize. This isn’t news he should keep to himself, now that he’s decided. Some people just aren’t meant to lead.”

“But the trade deal—they spent months on this—we sailed forweeks. Is he mad? I will speak to the king myself.”

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