Page 12 of Curse of Thorns
Third?She was here this morning but... I wince as I realize his meaning. The first time was ten years ago when she murdered my brother.
“I hadn’t realized you had become such close friends.” My father’s words are acid, and I narrow my eyes.
“Allies, Father.”
“So, you do not care for her?”
I consider responding, but there is no correct response. And to be honest, I’m not sure what is lie and what is truth when it comes to her. Would I flinch if I were to tell my father I don’t care for her? She’s... God, I have no idea what she is.
So, I decide not to respond at all.
“I have intentions on making a trip to the Crumbling Court first thing in the morning. I will be out of your hair then.”
The king’s lip curls in disgust. He steps forward, a menacing expression on his face, and for the first time in my life, I wonder if my father would try to kill me. I wonder what the guards might do if he attacked me. Would they defend me or follow his orders? He leans over my bed, eyes full of dark hatred. “You are no son of mine,” he whispers.
Sir Simmons winces. I clench my jaw. “I’m aware.”
He blinks away his instant of surprise, and anger returns to his controlled expression. He stands up straight, eyes cast past me to the corner of the room. “If I find that whore in my palace again, I’ll remove her head from her body myself. And I’ll do it slowly. Damn the consequences from the High Court.” With another curl of his lip, he whispers, “The Night Bringer sends his regards.” With obvious effort, he forces his body to spin, and he stomps from my room, slamming the door behind him.
Sir Simmons pauses, glancing back to me. “Are you all right, Your Highness?”
“Perfectly well, thank you.” I force a smile. “I appreciate your diligence, but your guards are no longer needed. You can call off the search as well.”
He purses his lips, his expression unreadable. Then, he nods and calls the guards to follow him.
Once the door closes, I let out one long breath.
Caelynn
My heart pounds sohard it’s hard to hear much beyond the pumping pulse in my ears. Finally, the last guard leaves the room, and I let out a breath and drop the shadows from around me.
“Have I ever mentioned your father is a dick?” I say with a weak voice.
Rev whips around to look at me and blinks. I wasn’t sure if he’d known I was there or not. “He’s not my father,” he says simply.
“Yeah. I know.” I take in a few more deep breaths then sit on the edge of his bed. “He looked right at me. He knew I was here.” I can’t bring myself to mention his comment. I can’t say his name. Not aloud.
