Page 7 of Blood Curse

“Never for more than ten minutes at a time.”

I remembered torchlight on black stone, music loud enough to shake the galleries and Mara throwing a silver cup at a lord who had insulted my judgement. The memory didn’t feel buried now. The open locks had dragged it back until it hurt.

For a century, the Night Hall had been nothing but sealed doors and a title I no longer used. Now Bryony’s blood had called it awake before either of us had decided what that meant.

She studied me. “You miss it.”

“More of it than I expected, which is irritating.”

“The shouting?”

“The honest shouting. It was easier than smiling treachery.”

Lenora shifted her grip. “Then it can stay awake without us for five minutes.”

Bryony gave the passage one last look before moving again.

The King’s rooms opened at her touch.

Adrian’s scent still clung to them: old paper, clove soap and the blood he spilled while trying to turn Bryony into a weapon. Contempt tightened her face.

“We should open the windows,” I said.

“We should burn the sheets,” she answered.

“I was going to suggest the whole bed.”

“Now you’re supporting properly.”

Lenora pointed towards the chair beside the fire. “Sit before the two of you redecorate with arson.”

Bryony looked at the chair, then at the bed. “The chair.”

She chose it herself. I stayed close while she lowered into the seat, but I didn’t touch her until she reached for my hand.

She threaded her fingers through mine.

Warmth moved through my palm. Only warmth. The Crown didn’t press into the contact, and nothing tried to turn her choice into an order.

Lenora took a clean cloth from the washstand and passed it to Bryony. “Hold this to your tongue. I’m getting the medical case.”

“Don’t be long,” I said.

“Try not to challenge any ancient objects while I’m gone.”

“That sounds needlessly restrictive.”

She looked at Bryony. “He was easier when he was unconscious.”

“So was I,” Bryony said.

Lenora left without hovering in the doorway. The door stayed open behind her.

Bryony pressed the cloth to her mouth. Blood stained the white fabric, and anger flickered across her face when she saw it.

I pulled a second chair closer and sat in front of her, leaving enough space for her to decide whether she wanted me nearer.

She moved her boot between mine.