Page 99 of Taste of Thorns

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“If you change your mind …”

“I won’t,” she says with determination.

I flop down on the chair opposite her.

This was a wasted trip and a waste of my time.

“You don’t look so happy, Beau,” Henny says, playing with the corner of a queen of hearts.

“No, I’m not happy you’re using. I’m certainly not happy Kratos is. And I’m still none the wiser as to who has been attacking Briony.”

“Oh dear, trouble in paradise?”

I look up and into Henny’s crazed face. I wonder … the girl is smart. She has allies I was unaware of. Maybe she knows more than I thought. She’s also loyal to the Empress. Her family always has been.

“Someone has been attacking Briony. Attacking her as a means to get to us.”

“The Hardies?” Henny asks.

“Yes, but they must be working for someone else. I suspect this is part of a bigger plot to move against us, and therefore the Empress.”

“Then isn’t it obvious?” she says, spinning the card around.

I lean forward. “Do you know who it is, Henny?”

She shakes her head. “But I can guess.”

“Who?”

“Who else but the usual suspects.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Briony

I drag my feet getting ready the next morning and after calling me to hurry up for the tenth time, Fly comes charging into my room.

“Didn’t you hear me? We’re going to miss breakfast.”

I shrug. “I’m not feeling very hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.”

“Not today.”

He comes and bumps his shoulder against mine. “Men are not worth it. Trust me. Definitely not worth missing breakfast over.”

“It’s not that. It’s just that time of the month, and I’m feeling nauseous.”

Fly takes a decided step away from me like I just told him I have rabies.

“You’re sure?” he says, inspecting my face.

“Urgh,” I say, resting my hands on my belly and groaning.

“Do you want me to stay or …”

“Go. You get way too grouchy when you don’t eat.”

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