Page 19 of A Crown Without Mercy

Sylvana smiled at the memory. “Mother always said Enatta would go to any extent to help her mate Cadell climb the ranks.”

“He’s done pretty well for himself over the years. I’m sure Enatta’s siting on a gilded throne right now.”

“Cadell is nice enough, from what father and Alaric say. I wonder how he’s put up with her?”

“Who knows, but I bet that’s what Mira will be like should she ever find a mate worth a shit,” Sylvana joked.

“Maybe we should pull in her reins ourselves. Their son, Laurent, has sure taken a liking to her.”

“I believe she’s smitten. He’s going to be her first broken heart,” Sylvana replied. “I feel like we’re betraying Mother by letting her spend so much time with their clan.”

Calista looked at Sylvana and raised her eyebrows. “Are you going to tell Mira she can’t see Laurent anymore?”

Sylvana shook her head. “I’ll leave it to father or Alaric.”

Calista shifted her stance, and her face became solemn. “Ever since mother disappeared, father and Alaric have done nothing but coddle her.”

“I can understand why, as she was so young, but I’m afraid they’ve created a monster.”

“I still remember how angry father was with her when she disappeared for a few days last spring and she said she was with Laurent.”

“I remember,” Sylvana replied.

Calista turned her body and leaned on her shoulder so she could face Sylvana. “Enough about Mira. What were you really doing last night?”

The last thing I need is someone else prying into my life.“I was with Muriel.” Sylvana pushed herself off the wall and walked to the feed buckets. “We have work to do. We should get to it.”

“You’re being evasive,” Calista said.

Sylvana bent over and picked up the buckets. “No more than usual.

Laurent was waiting by the stables for Mira when he heard her mare trotting down the road. Once she pulled Prada to a halt, Laurent reached his arms up and helped her down. She turned around, and Laurent wrapped his arms around her. She nuzzled her head against his chest. “I missed you,” she said.

“It’s only been two days.” Laurent pulled away and smiled at her.

“I know. But I still missed you.”

Laurent took her hand in his. “I missed you too, Mira.” He then stepped away and ran toward the barn, pulling her along.

She squealed in delight and once they entered the barn Laurent shut the door. “I have our favorite spot ready. Are you thirsty?”

“Yes.” Mira smiled as she took a seat on the blanket he had laid out.

“It’s fresh, curor. Mother took it from a feeder just this morning,” Laurent said, as he handed her a goblet.

Mira took a drink and placed the goblet in the hay. “It’s very good. Thank you.”

Laurent got comfortable and set his goblet down as well. “Do that thing again,” he suggested.

“Okay. But promise me you won’t tell anyone.”

Laurent rolled his eyes. “I’ve already promised you ten times.”

“I know, but we could both get into trouble. And father would kill me.”“It’s fine, Mira. Do it.”

“Okay. What would you like to see?”

“Umm? How about a black spider?”

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