Page 60 of Crown of Darkness
“Do you mind if I take the books back to my room?”
For a second, I think she’s going to deny me. But fear wins out over her sense of protectiveness. “One night,” she says, “and then you return them.”
“You have my word.”
Imerys snorts as she shuts the book. “I have more than that, Princess. I know where you sleep, and if they’re not back by noon tomorrow, I’ll send Gossamer to fetch them.”
* * *
I findThiago in the stables, examining a handsome golden colt with the crown princess. “Vi.”
“Your Highness.” Lucere moves away from his side with a furtive smile, as if she’s trying to suggest there’s something more happening here.
“How was your ride?” I paste a smile on my lips, even if I don’t feel it in my heart.
“Wonderful.” Lucere glides out of the stall, still putting distance between them, though her eyes linger on my husband. “Thiago brought down a stag, and he will be the main course at our banquet tonight. He was glorious.”
Thiago’s lashes lower. “The poor bastard broke his leg in the chase. It was mercy, Lucere. Not any particular interest of mine in hunting.”
He’ll hunt for food, but I’ve never known him to partake in it for sport like some of the southern kingdoms do.
“What do you think of him?” Thiago asks, turning my attention to the colt in the stall.
I pat that velvety nose. The color of his coat shines like a newly minted coin, though his mane and tail are as silver as moonlight. The arch of his face hints at elfin blood, and as I run my hands down his legs, I admire the quality of his structure. “He’s gorgeous. Absolutely breathtaking.”
“A gift,” Lucere purrs, “for Evernight.”
Thiago’s gaze cuts toward her, and he strokes that glossy coat. “A gift worthy of a royal fortune. I fear my offering last night was a mere trinket in comparison.”
The rubies are already around her neck, though she’ll choke on them if she knows Thalia was the one who chose them.
Lucere strokes the gems as she demurs. “Of course not. I shall be the envy of the Alliance. I fear this small exchange is barely worth a single ruby.”
Thiago smiles at me. “He’s yours, Vi.”
Lucere’s eyes flare, and her smile freezes.
“A worthy mount for my beloved.” Thiago nods gracefully to her. “Thank you. Wherever the Princess of Evernight rides, all folk shall know of the generosity of Ravenal.”
“You’re evil,” I tell him as we link thoughts. “I think she’s going to bite through her tongue.”
There’s a touch of wickedness about his mouth, but he offers me his arm. “I fear I’ve abandoned you too much this morning. Shall we take a walk around the gardens? Lucere was telling me that there’s a lovely little grotto with a waterfall.”
Oh, I’ll bet she was.
“That would be lovely.” And then, because she’s been eyeing my husband like a piece of steak, I smile at her. “Thank you for the gift. I will always cherish him.”
* * *
“What’s wrong?”Thiago demands the second we’re in the gardens where no one can hear us.
“Besides that bitch salivating all over you?”
His eyes hood. “She’s going to be the future queen of Ravenal. We have to play nicely.”
I sigh. “I know. That doesn’t mean I like her.”
“I’m not particularly fond of her either.”
