Page 32 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

Cyran’s smile turned cold. “On the contrary. I was already seeing her. I arranged for you to be hers, but she loved you like her own. She had miscarried a few years prior and could not have more children.”

I felt like I might be sick.

“You’re more of a bastard than I thought.”

Cyran only chuckled. “That may be true, but you will infiltrate the vault for me.”

I crossed my arms. “Like you’re not rich enough already?”

His amusement vanished. “I do not need money. I need information. Someone is working with the enemy.”

I froze. “No way. Not in the castle.”

“I am sure of it. And they have infiltrated my organization. I do not know how, but I need to know who.”

I exhaled, rubbing my temple. “What exactly am I looking for?”

“Correspondence. Whoever it is has royal clearance. Only royal caravans are exempt from inspections.”

I let out a low curse. “I’ll look, but there’s no guarantee they’ll keep anything incriminating in the vault.”

“Hopefully, you’ll know it when you see it.”

I grunted, already regretting this entire visit.

As I turned to leave, I nearly crashed into Solei.

“Solei!” I hugged her on instinct, and she patted my back half-heartedly, more out of habit than affection.

She was her father’s daughter, and a lifetime of training wasn’t something that faded easily.

She pulled back, her eyes scanning me. “Holy shit, you’re a rider.”

I nodded. “Yeah. But my dragon’s not exactly receptive. It’s a work in progress.”

“I hear they can get surly,” she smirked. “You’ll win her over. You can charm just about anyone.”

I snorted. “What are you up to?”

Solei winked. “I have a date tonight.”

I lifted a brow. “A real one? Or will this guy be pushing up daisies by morning?”

She laughed, a rare, genuine sound. “A real one. Unless he’s a prick. Then it’s the latter.”

“Does he know what you do for the Order?”

“Of course not. Do you think he’d date me if he did?”

“Good point.”

She gave me a pointed look. “And you? Had any swoon-worthy hookups since you joined the army?”

I grunted. “Hardly. The entire squad has to share a room.”

“Yes, but nobles have their own rooms,” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes. “You hate nobles. Why would you suggest that?”