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“Armed and waiting for me.”

She reached for my waist.

I took the sword from her and placed it within reach on the mattress. Then I put both hands on her thighs and leaned down to kiss her. The scent of her arousal sharpened.

My mouth moved to the bite on her throat. I pressed my tongue over the closed marks without breaking the skin. Bryony’s fingers slid into my hair, and her pulse jumped against my lips.

“That isn’t helping us test the chain,” she said.

“It’s helping me test several other things.”

“You already tested most of them on the throne.”

“Further evidence is always useful.”

She tugged my hair until I raised my head. “Put your shirt on, Your Majesty.”

“You did prefer me without it.”

“I preferred you on your knees.”

I kissed her once more, then reached for the shirt. The heat in her eyes promised we weren’t finished.

“Later,” she said. “After we test the chain.”

I understood the promise and planned to collect once we finished testing the chain.

We left the suite and followed the hall towards the garden. I released her hand before we crossed the entrance. White light traced the edge of the doorway, then settled as I stepped onto the path alone.

The roses turned towards me. Dark red petals opened across the nearest bushes, and the vines pulled back from the stones under my boots. They had attacked Bryony when Adrian pushed power into the wards. Now they recognised the blood she had given me.

She came through behind me. “Are they safe?”

“For now.”

The spring moved quietly in the middle of the garden. I walked towards it while the collar chain slid across the path. Bryony stayed close enough that I could reach her with one hand, and the pressure in my chest remained low.

At the water, I stopped and looked back. The chain ran through the open doorway and disappeared along the hall. It still tied me to the throne, yet I could stand in the garden without Bryony holding the path open.

Bryony followed my attention. “Will breaking the collar make you completely free?”

“Free of the physical prison. The Crown can still command the Blood King while Harrowmere recognises it, although it needs a crowned heir to use its full power. Adrian is trying to make you that heir because his own blood isn’t enough.”

“Then the simple version hasn’t changed,” she said. “We break your last chain, keep the Crown off my head and stop Adrian getting inside.”

“Exactly.”

“Good. If anyone adds another problem, I’m stabbing them.”

I believed her.

For years, I had listened to water I couldn’t reach and smelt roses growing outside my prison. Now Bryony stood beside the spring with her red hair loose over a bloodstained green jumper, waiting to see what I would do with the freedom she’d given me.

I caught her around the waist and lifted her onto the low stone edge. Her startled laugh ended against my mouth.

“Necessary?” she asked.

“I wanted you closer.”