Shadows of a Crown by M. Lynn & Melissa A Craven

Author:M. Lynn & Melissa A Craven [Lynn, M. & Craven, Melissa A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twin Rivers Press

14

KYOTEN

ODESSA

“Princess, you need to get out of your rooms and let the people see you.” Gideon’s muffled voice stirred me from my stupor. Since the afternoon of my arrival, I’d kept to my bedroom, only venturing out for meals with my guard in my private dining room.

Genevieve had yet to answer my summons. It was a slap in the face for someone of her station to so blatantly ignore me. I would have to deal with her soon.

With a sigh, I left the comfort of the overstuffed lounge under the wide picturesque windows facing the mountains and crossed the plush plum-colored carpets to the door.

“Come in, for prophet’s sake, and stop haunting my hallway with your moaning and groaning.” I returned to my seat, pulling a white fur blanket over my lap to resume my gazing from the tower window.

When visiting the Kyoten stronghold, I was the proverbial princess in the tower. To be kept safe from any who might seek to do me harm. In its own way, the stronghold was my prison. And this tower bedroom was my cell. They might as well put bars on the windows.

“Come for a walk with me. The fresh air will do you good.” Gideon leaned against the doorframe, the sword at his hip scraping against the stone wall.

“I can get fresher air up here in the tower than down there on the putrid streets. Thank you, but no.” I retrieved my book from the side table and re-read the same sentence for the twentieth time.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Get off your royal rump and come for a walk so your people can see you aren’t hiding from some perceived slight of a woman they know precious little about.”

“Genevieve practically runs this place.” I turned the page in my book, the lines of text nothing but a blur.

“Sister Evangeline runs the stronghold, and everyone, including Genevieve, answers to her.” Gideon moved to my wardrobe and flipped through my things until he found a cloak that matched my dress. “You can wear the hood up. No one will know it’s you until you’re ready for them to see you.”

I snorted an un-princess-like laugh. “It’s made of cream silk and white fur. Anyone with any sense will know it’s me under that hood.”

“I’ll wear it, and you can wear mine if it gets you off that lounge.”

“You will do no such thing!” I set my book aside. “I won’t have half the keep thinking I’m some wide-shouldered ogre come down from the mountains.” Reluctantly, I could see I wouldn’t win this argument. He would follow through with his threat and wear that cape whether I went with him or not. Everyone would think I’d lost my slim figure when the shadow crown chose me.

“You better put this on.” He held the cape out for me. “You know I’ll do it. I’ll even walk with a slouch and limp.” He hunched his shoulders and took several awkward steps toward me, his booted foot dragging behind him.

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