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Her eyes widen with surprise, and she swats my shoulder. “You sound likeLawrence.”

“He’s a bad influence.”

I wish that were true. In many ways, it would be easier to be like the loathsome prince and never be burdened with trivial things like chivalry and honor. He kissed Clover on a whim, without a plan or any sign of hesitation. Why is it I, who can scarcely spare a thought for the mission because my mind is so wrapped up around this woman, cannot do the same?

“What do I do?” Clover asks, exasperated. “I can’t wear this tonight.”

I barely hear her. Maybe Icanbe impulsive. Perhaps it would be all right to live in the moment, even if only once. And why can’t that moment be now?

I pin Clover with my eyes, taking a purposeful step forward. “A better question is, why would you come to me while looking like that?”

“Fine, I’ll go to Lawrence,” she snaps, and a pretty, embarrassed blush flushes across her cheeks as she turns to leave.

Just as she opens the door, I reach over her and push it closed. The mechanism closes with an audible click, and then there’s silence.

“You misunderstood,” I say, lowering my voice, letting the words settle between us. “It wasn’t a complaint.”

Clover stares at the door, standing perfectly still. “What are…oh.”

Her fluttery intake of breath steals her words when I sweep her hair to the side, exposing her neck.

She then clears her throat and begins again. “What are you doing?”

A shiver travels across her shoulders when I step close. My head screams at me to be reasonable—that we must wait until our future is certain—but I’m done thinking.

“What do you want me to do?” I murmur as I take her sides.

The elven style of dress is not worn with a corset, and only the gauzy fabric of her gown separates us. I can feel the heat of her against my fingertips, the soft give of her skin…and it’s almost too much.

But I fight the urge to retreat this time. We’ve made a promise to each other, even if it’s atop several contingencies.

“I want you to stop confusing me,” she says breathlessly. “Are we waiting until we’ve sorted out this mess, or are we…not?”

“Swear to me you’re right about Camellia.”

“I’m right,” she says vehemently, turning to face me. “But, Henrik, you have to make a choice—believe me or don’t. It’s up to you.”

I stare at the fiery noblewoman, my heart pounding in my chest. I don’t have enough facts; I haven’t gathered all the evidence.

But IknowClover is innocent. She didn’t kill that man.

We’ve only been friends a short while, but from the minute she pinned me with her haughty gaze from across the throne room, she captured me. Her spirit, her tenacity, her foolhardy disrespect for common sense—even the way she throws herself in too quickly and without reserve—all those things draw me to her. Not only do they make me want to protect her, but they also make me want her at my back.

I trust her.

Maybe it’s time, for the first time in my life, I take a leap of faith.

23

Clover

“You finally believe me,”I whisper, feeling as if I’m going to cry. I can see it written on Henrik’s face. His eyes soften, and he lets go of that last shred of doubt he’s been so desperately clinging to. “Please tell me you weren’t influenced by this horrible dress.”

Laughing silently, he shakes his head. The commander is handsome in his elven tunic, though I miss his rugged brigandine. The man before me looks like a nobleman, dangerous and powerful.

As soon as he receives his seal and we break his ties from Camellia, the illusion will be a reality. He will be able to choose anyone. Will he truly want me?

With his stormy eyes holding me captive, Henrik slides his hand down my bare arm. The featherlight touch makes me shiver, overwhelmed by the sensation. I hold my breath as he takes my hand and raises my knuckles to his lips. Just when I think he’s going to release me, he extends my arm between us and leans over, pressing a kiss to the inside of my elbow.