Nerves twisted in my gut. I returned to my sleeping chambers, reaching under my pillow for the parchment he had given me. Unfolding it, I read the words once more.
Little Kitten,
A shipment snuck past. Something important.
Beware of the favor, all may not be as it seems.
Wolf
Frowning, I tucked the note into my dress and returned to my receiving room, where the dark ornate box held Grimm’s heart. Pain twisted in my chest, breaking over last night’s events. Nothing could change—we had to face the consequences of our actions.
There was nothing else I could do to help Lyana.
Helplessness and anger swelled within as I clenched my fist atop the box, eyes shut tight.
Sainte draped the shawl over my shoulders, his warmth seeping into me as he stood close. I leaned back, drawing strength from his presence. His arms wrapped around me, tucking me against his chest.
“Thank you,” he whispered, lips brushing my ear.
“I will give it to Lyana,” I said, turning to search his face. “Is that all right?”
A sad smile graced his features, and he shook his head a fraction before resting his rough cheek against mine. “She had his heart from the moment he laid eyes on her,” he murmured. “If she wishes, Urien will guide her to the western wolves.”
A sigh pushed past my lips. “I wish I could go.”
Instead, I had to seek the approval of a couple rocks.
“Some things are better done alone.”
“No one should have to be alone when they say goodbye.”
I shook my head, stepping forward. He let his arms fall, and I immediately missed his warmth, but I had to get moving.
He blocked me, then lifted my chin with his calloused fingers. “You will do well today.”
My eyes narrowed. “Because the gods favor me.”
It was all about them.
“Because you are a queen in the making.”
With that, he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
It was chaste and unexpected—his warm lips on my skin. I didn’t move, taken aback by the gesture. He pulled away with a mischievous smile as a light knock sounded. I jumped at the sound, causing him to chuckle and step aside.
“And here, I thought you were saving your kisses for your wife,” I huffed, a blush heating my cheeks.
I started for the door, ignoring his amused grunt. When I reached it, I allowed Sainte to answer. As always, he preferred to be in the line of fire in case anyone made another attempt on my life.
My brother was much too interested in torturing me now—killing me would be too easy.
Anderz stood beyond the threshold, his thick gray hair neatly combed, clad in his regular black and viridian robes. His gold eyes lit up as they fell on me.
“Your Highness,” he greeted with a bow, his gaze trailing down my dress, snagging on my signet ring. “Shall we proceed?”
He guided me down the hall as I balanced the box in one hand and gathered my skirts in the other. Behind me, the hem dragged along the floor, a beautiful yet impractical display that made me cautious of each step.
“I need to visit Lyana’s room.”
