Page 123 of The Fifth Heir

Talia rose. “Camilla isn’t trying to hurt me.”

“I didn’t say she was.”

“You implied I shouldn’t trust her.”

“I implied everyone wants something.”

“What do you want?”

The direct question caught me before I could offer an entertaining answer.

I looked around the garden.

“Freedom,” I said.

“From what?”

“People who claim rules are sacred because the rules keep them in charge.”

Storm had been bred into my line as proof of obedience to the crown. Every tutor I ever had called that inheritance an honor. None appreciated being asked why an honor required so many locks.

“That sounds rehearsed.”

“I’ve had practice.”

“Is that why you want the crown?”

“It’s why I don’t want Leander to have it.”

She glanced back toward the path. “He abandoned an open gate for us.”

“I noticed.”

“Did it change your opinion?”

“I haven’t decided. I dislike changing my opinions before dinner.”

The crystal flowers brightened again.

Talia smiled.

I moved closer.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I wanted to become a relic scholar.”

“Past tense?”

“I don’t know anymore.”

“That isn’t an answer.”

“It’s the only one I have.”

“You don’t want the crown?”

“I don’t know what I would do with it.”