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“Lawrence, please.Focus.”

Already bored of the conversation, Lawrence crosses his arms. “And what’s my part in this again?”

“If we can find evidence that Camellia killed the man in her closet, and that she’s been practicing magic, all I ask is that you convince your father to free Henrik from the marriage obligation.”

“Technically, Henrik isn’t obligated to marry Camellia.”

“Will your father give Henrik his knight’s seal if he refuses to marry your sister?”

Lawrence smirks as if taking joy in the thought. “Not likely.”

“You don’t hate him that much, do you? You two seem to be getting along decently.” I point a finger at him. “You even saved him from the ralnauth.”

“I don’t hate him, per se. I just don’t particularlylikehim.”

“Lawrence.”

“What?” He throws up his hands, his smile growing. “He’s annoyingly…”

“Perfect?”

“Yes, that’s it. It’s obnoxious.”

“ButIlike him, and you’re fond of me, so can’t you…deal with it?”

“I was more fond of you when you wanted to marry me. Now what am I supposed to do?”

“We’ve been over this. Find someone you actually like.”

“And how many times must I tell you? I likeyou,” he insists. “You’re my favorite.”

“Stop.”

“What?” He shifts forward, his expression growing mischievous. “Was it the kiss? It wasn’t my best, but we were on display. Come on, let’s try again. I’m sure I can change your mind.”

“I’m supposed to punch you if you come near me again.”

Lawrence’s eyebrows fly up. “Did Henrik the Jealous say that?”

I laugh. “He did.”

“Honestly, the man is a complete killjoy.”

“Will you help us, Lawrence?” I ask softly. “You will, won’t you?”

Lawrence suddenly sighs, looking too serious for my liking. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I was even going to give you my mother’s crown and let you sit on the plush and very comfortable throne next to me. But obviously, if this is what you want instead, then I will find a way to help you—even if I have serious doubts about your judgment, and it will be a far larger hassle than you realize.”

For just one moment, I study him, questioning something.

But no. Lawrence doesn’t have feelings for me. Not like that.

“You’re a good friend, Lawrence,” I say carefully.

He scoffs. “Please, I’m more than good. I am the best friend my sister’s arch-nemesis could ever have.”

Suddenly, I’m hit with something terribly sad. Now that Henrik and I are together, my relationship with Lawrence will change.

“What?” Lawrence’s eyes rake over me, and then he gives me a wolfish grin. “You’re having second thoughts, aren’t you? Let me take a guess. You’re thinking you might not want to settle for a consolation prize when you could have a king? It’s understandable. All right—I’ll make a promise to you.”