Page 6

It’s a naughty thrill, creeping through moonlight into the forbidden garden. The pearl heart plant stands knee high, its heart-shaped leaves glowing with luminous white spots—and all of it directly beneath the king’s bedroom window.

I crouch near the plant, my feet itching with anticipation, ready to bolt should the window suddenly fly open.

I glance sideways at Quin, my reluctant accomplice in this illicit heist. He leans casually on his cane, half in shadow, his lips curving faintly in disapproval.

“Don’t watch me,” I whisper, nodding toward the trellis-framed window above. Roses might bloom prettily around it, but there’s nothing pretty about what’s behind it. “Watch out for me.”

He shakes his head, disbelief etched across his face.

Ignoring him, I pluck a leaf, careful to avoid the thorns dotting the long stems. A sharp, tangy scent rises into the cool night air. Another leaf follows, and then another, each one sending a giddy wave of satisfaction through me.

When I’ve gathered enough, I clutch the pearl heart tightly and dart away from the house, deeper into the gardens.

Quin follows at his usual unhurried pace, the soft click of his cane against the path growing closer. He finds me at the fountain, one hand braced on my knee as I catch my breath, the other still gripping the precious leaves.

“This is for the greater good,” I say, breathless.

He blinks drily.

“He surely won’t miss a few leaves, and his aklas will benefit greatly.”

“You sure know how to talk yourself into things.”

I grin, shifting the leaves between the pads of my fingers. “How much rule-breaking is this breaking exactly?”

Quin leans forward, matching my whisper. “Bit late to be asking that, don’t you think?”

“Can’t be too serious, surely.”

His gaze locks onto mine, holding it a beat longer than necessary. “You came under cover of darkness. You can’t believe you’re innocent?”

My pulse jumps, but I grin to cover it. “Why did you just laugh like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re imagining what trouble I’ll get into. Andenjoyingit.”

I eye his easy manner: his lips curling at the edges, his eyes alight with a gleam. I drop my gaze to his hand on his cane and jump slightly. “Stop drumming your fingers.”

“Afraid of me now?”

I clamp a hand around his and meet his eyes. His skin is warm beneath my glove, and for a moment, my mind sticks on that sensation. “You’re an accomplice.”

Quin’s brows rise, his voice soft with mockery. “Imost certainly will not face punishment.”

“You’re probably right.” I drag my fingers off his, letting them linger just enough to feel his subtle tension. “How about taking the blame if anyone asks?”

Quin scoffs.

Something slinks past us in the shadows and I almost shriek, barely refraining from jumping onto Quin. A sudden thought has me thrumming with colder shivers. “A water wyvern?”

“No,” Quin says calmly. He leans into the bushes, pulling up a meowing furry beast. “Generalus. The prince’s cat.”

“Prince Nicostratus?”

“Alexios. The king’s son.”

I reach out and pat the soft head. A curiosity pops to mind, and I can’t help myself. “Do you ever bring your son here? Does little Quin love to play with Generalus too?”