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He smiles, nodding once. “Who would have thought the day would come that I’d have to serve my little sister? Appalling, isn’t it?”

I shake my head, trying not to laugh. “Just horrible.”

Denny is the last to leave, and before he goes, he bows his head to Lawrence one last time.

When we’re alone, I say, “Thank you, Lawrence. You’ve honored my family.”

“Denny earned the position with merit. I am glad to have him at my back.”

I cock my head to the side. “And the fifth position?”

He looks away. “What about it?”

“Who are you holding it for?”

When he looks back, he gives me a cocky grin. “I told you—I just want to keep my options open.”

“It’s for Henrik.”

Quickly, he shakes his head. “No.”

“You are a good man, Lawrence.”

“It’s not his spot,” he insists, but we both know.

I sigh, conflicted. “You’ve done a terrible thing.”

He eyes me. “What’s that?”

“I’m afraid you’re growing as a person, and I don’t know what to do with this new side of you.”

He grins, stepping in. “Did your heart skip a beat? Am I making you waver?”

“It stuttered a little,” I tease. “But I’m not wavering.”

“Yet.”

I roll my eyes, laughing despite myself. “Are you ready to join your feast, Your Majesty?”

He rubs his stomach. “I don’t think I could eat.”

“Me either.” I offer my hand. “But let’s go push things about on our plates.”

6

CLOVER

The coronation was a week ago, and Lawrence is slowly settling into his new role. I, however, feel like an imposter sitting in the seat beside him. This spot should be reserved for the true queen-to-be, whoever she might be.

Not me.

And after sitting through three hours of this wretched council meeting, I couldn’t be more sure about my decision to give up my chance at the crown. Lawrence, his advisors, several high-ranking noblemen, and his personal guard have debated and argued, no one having a clear answer about what should be done about Camellia.

Lawrence is at the head of the table, and I am seated to his right. An empty teacup rests in front of me, along with a porcelain plate and crumbs left from a shortbread biscuit. A maid will clear the dishes soon, and not for the first time.

Apparently, we’re stuck here until Lawrence makes a decision.

“Camellia attacked Clover,” Gavriel exclaims, growing frustrated as he sits back in his chair and crosses his arms. “She openly used blood magic. With all due respect, Your Majesty, you can’t ignore her crimes, even if she is your sister.”