Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King, #2)

by Rachel Gillig

“There once was a girl,” he said, his voice slick, “clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: “The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”

If you touch Miss Hawthorn again, by the fucking trees, I’ll end you.”

“I’ll only be in the way.” “Right where I like you.

“I’ll take you wherever you want to go, Miss Hawthorn.”

It was uncomfortable, pretending she was not sewn into him—that it had not become vital to him, helping her find her Maiden Card. That he was not in some kind of pain every moment he was with her. It was all so terribly, wonderfully uncomfortable.

I can’t fucking breathe when you look at me, Ione.

“Did no one ever love you before, Elm?”

“I’m yours. Even if you won’t be Queen—I’m yours.”