Brows drawn, he passes the letter to me.
“It’s from Cups,” I say, quickly scanning the letter written by the Queen of Cups herself. “They received Kane’s letter, the one that told them what happened to their ambassador and his wife. They are deeply saddened by the loss but wish to resume trade discussions. They’re asking us to send an emissary.”
Always calm and deliberate under pressure, Kane smooths the reins between his fingers. “Alderic,” he calls out, his voice carrying across the court with a note of authority. “I have a job for you. Consider it a way to repay me for all the trouble you’ve put me through.”
“Repay you?” Alderic glances up from locating his lost croquet ball, one blond eyebrow raised. “I thought giving you the throne would wipe our slate clean. I was rather looking forward to tarnishing my fresh start.”
Kane smirks. “I was going to be beheaded for my attempt to save you, remember? I think that buys me a few more favors.”
Alderic leans against his croquet mallet. “I have a feeling I’m going to hear about the time you nearly died for me forever.” He lines up his shot and takes it. The ball spins across the field and into the stone pathway on the other side. “That settles it. I’ll go.”
“Because you’re being bested by a woman?” Marion asks, her voice laced with playful challenge.
“Because I owe my very best friend and his radiant partner my life. Plus, I do want to taste the delicacies of someplace not so close to home.”
“You’ve kicked his ass so badly, he’s running away,” I say, grinning at Marion.
Lifting her wineglass, she curtsies.
Kane sweeps the reins over Shadow’s head and handsthem to me before turning back to Alderic. “I’m glad I didn’t have to use my new title to force you to act.”
Grinning, Alderic crosses his arms over his chest. “You should know by now no one forces me to do anything. Without using magick, that is.”
“I should also feel confident that you’re not going to get involved in some sort of scandal we’ll have to come save you from. You’re not the king anymore. Thereareconsequences for your actions.”
“Yeah, Alderic,” I add, unable to resist joining in the teasing, “don’t get caught with your hand in the cookie jar.”
Alderic’s lips quirk. “If it’s so bad, why does it sound so delicious?”
“McDougall,” Kane addresses the man who’s as silently present as an early-morning shadow, “if you have the patience, give Lockhart a quick lesson in what’s expected of him as a palace emissary.”
“I don’t need a governess,” Alderic grumbles.
“Of course not,” Marion consoles, hooking her arm through his. “You need a nanny.”
Kane grips Shadow’s saddle and mounts behind me. He wraps his arms securely around my waist, the warmth of his body seeping into mine.
We ride away from the gardens, our friends’ laughter fading into the gentle rustle of leaves and the rhythmic clopping of Shadow’s hooves.
I sink into the steady rise and fall of Kane’s chest against my back as he guides Shadow through the wildflower-dotted fields and toward the Tower. His voice vibrates softly, a low hum that I feel more than hear. “I have a surprise for you, Fawn.”
I lean to the side and glance over my shoulder to get a better look at him. That smile—the one that could melt gold—graces his lips.
“So, this is more than just the relaxing ride to the Tower I was promised?” I ask, my heart fluttering with excitement.
He shrugs, his smile widening.
“Give me a hint.”
He slides his hand along my braid, tugging on the loose end. “Be a good girl, and I’ll give you more than that.”
A warm rush pools low in my belly, a delicious heat that makes my pulse quicken. I no longer want whatever the surprise is. I only want him.
We arrive at the Tower as the sun falls toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the ancient stones. The Empress stirs against my chest, getting hotter the closer Shadow carries us.
It’s like she’s responding to the Tower, to the magick I’ve known was here since I saw it from the garden.
Kane dismounts first, and he helps me down with a gentle grip. I’m glad he brought me here. I’m glad I came back and gave him the chance.
