“They haven't been moved.”
“Don’t send them.”
“That’s a particularly suspicious request, Princess.” He raises a brow at me as we stop in front of my bedchamber door. “It appears you know something I don’t.”
“The warlord always says a divided kingdom falls, but a united one cannot be conquered,” I say sweetly, stepping closer to him.
“Is that so?” Casimir tucks a stray hair behind my ear, his fingers not lingering on my skin for long. “It sounds like you had the most prolific teacher.”
“Pfft, your ego is out of control,” I tease, a grin on my lips.
He laughs, warm and low, like sunlight slipping through morning mist. I find myself smiling, too, excitement pulsing through my veins. Being near him softens the weight I’ve been carrying, allowing me to relax in his presence.
“I heard there’s a banquet tomorrow night.” I hope he will allow me to come. Nikolas will likely be in attendance, and I want to watch the Scorpion’s Haze in action.
“Are you asking me to invite you?” Casimir’s eyes light up with challenge.
I give him an aloof shrug. “I do like a good party.”
“Come.” Casimir studies me with a quiet intensity, almostas if he’s memorizing every detail of my face. “And slander another duke for me.”
My brows lower. “You’re not mad I ruined one of your great houses?”
“No, it was quite comical, actually.”
“Really?” I blink in surprise.
“Horatio’s reputation will never recover after being ousted by the human princess.” He sounds amused. “I had no idea that we lost Crossgate due to his actions. You’re quite the menace for that, Princess.”
“I’m pretty sure you believed me to be a menace long before that.”
“To me, yes. But to others?” Pride shines in his gaze. “Absolutely priceless to watch them squirm.”
“I didn’t start it.” I point out.
“Start what?”
“The scene.”
“I’m aware,” Casimir replies. “Penelope is a pretentious person. It’s not entirely her fault; her father has raised her to act that way.”
I try to hide my smile. Casimir isn’t mad about my spectacle. He actually seems proud of me. Where I expected reprimand, I found approval. And gods help me, that is far more dangerous.
“Goddess above, you are truly something.” Casimir notices my thrill. “Delighted to wage war across the seven kingdoms, but distraught because I wrote your favorite book.”
“It’s not eventhatgood of a book.” I try to hide the burning in my cheeks.
“Says the woman who has read it hundreds of times.” Casimir cups my cheek in his palm, thumb gently stroking my skin.
I want to kiss him again.
“Why did you tell me your namesake?” I ask, genuinely curious to know the answer.
Before Casimir can reply, someone clears their throat beside us. “Your Majesty.”
Our heads turn in unison. Barnham stands a short distance away, his gaze fixated on the space between us. His jaw tightens, and his fist crumples the letter he’s holding. It’s as if our closeness offends him.
“What?” Casimir grinds out through a slightly clenched jaw as he lowers his hand.
