The Kingdom's Crown (Inheritance of Hunger #3) - Kathryn Moon Page 0,26

a kingdom."

"But it's hoarding everything," Bryony said, tracing the outline of my mouth with her fingertip.

I nodded. "It's a less urgent problem, but it's good to know about it early."

"Thank you for snooping," she said, and I tightened my hold on her waist as she kissed me. She pulled away, holding me in place with a gentle touch on my chin. "What did you steal?"

"A few notes. A book," I said, shrugging.

Her eyebrow arched. "And?"

My jaw ground as I glared back at her, but she only laughed. "Some sort of gold wreath off a wall."

"Wicked thief," Bryony said fondly, gifting me with another kiss.

A throat cleared at a distance, and I bit at Bryony's lips as she pulled away. There was an older female servant hovering nearby, Wendell, Thao, and Cresswell moving closer to our cluster.

"Her Royal Majesty is holding dinner in the grand dining hall and—"

"And Her Royal Highness is occupied for the evening and will be unable to attend," I snapped.

"Aric," Bryony gasped.

"But—"

"Unless of course, it's a demand," I said, glaring at the servant. Not that they deserved my ire.

Despite Bryony's claims that royal family dinners were rare, we'd been called to one every single night since we'd arrived earlier in the week. Queen Peony made no effort at conversation during the dinners, and Camellia took it as an opportunity for blatant sexual performances. And all through the meal, Bryony remained stiff and unhappy, moving her food around her plate and responding to her Chosen tentatively. I wasn't sure whose idea the dinners were, but I'd had enough.

"N-no," the servant said, blinking.

Bryony's cheeks were red and she gaped at me, but she didn't correct me and she didn't really look angry. The servant scuttled away, and Bryony's tongue flicked out over her bottom lip.

"I'm not sure you should've refused," she said.

"For your sake, I am sure."

"I think he was right to say no. One refusal won't hurt, and your sister puts me off my appetite. I think she's the one arranging the dinners just because she knows it bothers you to sit through them," Thao said, drawing Bryony's attention.

She squeaked as I rose and lifted her with me, setting her down on her toes. "But what shall occupy me instead?" Bryony asked coyly.

The others grinned at the thought of dragging her off to her suite, but I had a better idea. Well, not better, but something I thought might do Bryony's low mood more permanent good.

I'd thought my princess spoiled and privileged when I first saw her seated on her throne in the great hall months ago. She was stiff and determined to have her own way, defying her grandmother to add me to her Chosen. I'd assumed it made her like her sister, and I couldn't have been more wrong.

Bryony had been lonely, I suspected. Lonely and searching for some sign in us, the men of the choosing ceremony, that we might understand her or she us. She and I were learning to understand one another, but it was obvious that being back at the castle reminded her of the neglect of her childhood.

"We're going to the seashore to gather shells and stones," I said.

Bryony's eyes widened, a bright little light flaring in her green gaze.

"Wait," Thao said, our brief alliance evaporating. "Isn't it colder by the water?"

"Collect your sweaters and scarves, my love," Wendell said to the prince, grinning.

"I haven't been to the shore in ages," Bryony murmured.

"It's all right, isn't it, Stark?" I asked, turning to a frowning Cresswell.

He sighed and shrugged. "I suppose so. Better track down a few extra hands."

"There is a secret tunnel, you know. Right to the shore," Bryony said, already bouncing a little on her toes. "It can be damp, but it'll make a nice shortcut in and out of the palace."

"Come on then, princess. Lots of work for you to do for your next project," I said. It would be playing mostly, digging through the sand and chasing the waves on the shore, but she was in need of a little peace and joy for the afternoon. I caught her hand in mine and dragged her back to my side before she could race to her rooms to dress for the trip. "And lots of magic to make tonight," I rasped in her ear.

Bryony laughed, turning and nipping my jaw before dashing for the door, making Cresswell curse and chase after her.

7

Bryony

I smoothed my skirts once more, Cresswell and Guard Piper at my back as I hesitated outside of