Page 123 of The Crown’s Temptation

He laughed.

I smiled despite myself. Something in my chest warmed. My new knowledge of the past had made something in me lift, as though I had always wondered why the Baron hated me and now I finally understood. The hurt was not gone, but it had certainly lifted.

Moreover, one thing had become very clear these past few days: my mother had loved me.

“I am glad you appreciate my humor," I said. "I had forgotten I still possessed any."

His smile softened.

"Has it been that way since arriving in Morrath... or since arriving at Rathmor Palace last year?"

The room fell quiet.

I looked down at my hands.

"Are you implying, Lord Eravic, that without your sailor humor I am incapable of joy?"

A slow smile spread across his face.

"I'm implying⁠—"

"Do you have any sweets?" I looked around the hut. Chocolate would be exceptional.

A strawberry cake even better.

Strawberry cake. Colsar. Fuck. I needed to go.

His laugh escaped before he could stop it.

"I absolutely do not have sweets.”

I tilted my head. “The same way you don’t have ale?"

"The same way you're not a lad."

I thought of Colsar, the tunnel, and everything waiting outside these walls.

I stood up carefully. I did not feel dizzy. I felt strong. “I should go."

"Tomorrow, then."

"Tomorrow, Lord Eravic."

“I prefer just Eravic.”

"Sir Eravic."

"Asharin."

"Eravic of the Sea."

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It really isn't that difficult.”

"Duke Eravic of the Dunes."

I frowned.