Page 109 of Embers of Ruin

Brother Rivero looks as if he might crawl under the table and live there. “Your Majesty.”

Riven bows his head. “Sire.”

Thorin’s gaze does not leave mine. “Leave us.”

The shadows at his feet stir, then rise in slow, silent ribbons, swallowing the light as they coil around us. Within moments, Brother Rivero and Riven disappear behind a wall of living darkness. I can see them, but I know they can’t see us.

Brother Rivero gathers his apple and absolutely none of his dignity before hurrying away. Riven hesitates.

Thorin does not look at him. “Riven.”

Riven’s jaw tightens, but he obeys. The archive doors close a few moments later, and the sound echoes too loudly through the shelves. Now it’s only us, and the torn prophecy. And far too many shadows.

Thorin walks toward the table slowly, his gaze dropping to the open book. The light from the blue lamps catches the hard line of his face, the exhaustion beneath his eyes, the displeasure he does not bother hiding.

“You were told certain sections were restricted.”

“This is the public archive.”

“You were looking for something that was not.”

“How tragic that curiosity led me astray. Oops…”

His eyes lift. “Curiosity has led you into danger more times than I care to count.”

My laugh is sharp and humorless. “Then stop putting secrets where I can reach them.”

“I did.”

“The restricted archives?”

“Yes.”

I stare at him. He doesn’t look remotely ashamed.

“You are unbearable,” I say. “When were you going to tell me? I thought I blocked my first visit from your memories but apparently, you’re always ten steps ahead of everyone else.”

“How unfortunate for everyone who attempts to hide things from me.” His eyes linger on mine. “You should not have come here.”

“I couldn’t sleep. And I needed answers, because you never give me any. ”

“That is not an explanation.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting.” I pull a line from his book, but he doesn’t look pleased about it.

His jaw tightens, and I feel a small, petty satisfaction until his gaze drops briefly to my hands. I look down too late. My fingers are trembling.

Damn him. I clasp them behind my back.

Thorin notices, because he notices everything. Even the things you conceal in your mind.

“What did you read?”

“You know what I read, Thorin.”

“I want to hear what you think you read.”

“That is the most kingly sentence I’ve ever heard, and I despise it.”