The Mist Thief (The Ever Seas, #3)

by L.J. Andrews

Cruelty, hatred, and anger were all she expected from her new household. But what the princess never expected was the touch of an enemy thawing the ice in her heart, a kingdom of cutthroats becoming home, and a prince of nightmares loving the monster in the mists.

He pointed a finger at the poised elven king. “There’s something you should understand, the only reason I have my title is because I am her husband. She is the blood heir of our lands, and you will stop speaking down to her, or you will not leave this room in one piece.”

“I do not know what kings are like in your land, but in ours, we do not silence our queens.”

“And finally, work at the first two every day until she is the one you want at your side on a battlefield.”

“In that moment, when she is the only one you want standing with you against a foe, that is when you will know you’ve fallen in love with your wife.”

I followed his lead and whispered near to his odd, rounded ear. There was a spark of delight when he drew in a rough breath— “I promise you, if I burn, so will you.” The green of his eyes brightened. “I can hardly stand the wait.”

She wanted her fire to remain doused, little did she know her husband had plans to fan the flames until we were both set ablaze.

“I suppose it is a good thing she goes to a realm of nightmares then. She’ll fit right in.”

“Then be monstrous, Wife. If that is what you are, that is what I want you to be.”

“But when folk try to embrace the little elven monster there is something expected in return.” “Stop calling yourself such things.” “Is it not true?” “I do not see you as a monster. I see you as my wife.”

“I am your husband. It will always be an honor to carry you should you stumble.”

“Be kind, be gentle, and be monstrous. I will want you every way.”

Unbidden, my nightmare prince was claiming the heart I vowed never to give, and I thought he might be giving his.

“Can’t be helped. I broke my last defense against you, Fire,” he said. “I’ve nestled you beside any soul that matters to me. Once you’re there, it’s for good. Don’t ask me to let you go.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Here, darkness was beautiful. Here, we schemed. Here, family didn’t mean blood. Here, was home.

“We have a saying amongst our clans when someone has wronged us: you have been marked, Kings, and we never lose sight of our marks.”

“You promised to unravel me, but you’ve woven yourself into every strand of my soul. I will never love anyone the way I love you. I am yours and that is an honor I will always fight to keep.”

“You are mine, Nightmare. I will devour worlds to the Nothing if they take me from you.”

Skadi was my daylight and nightfall. She was every moment in between.

How many turns had I lived fearing this? Someone who cared, and loved, and wanted me. To imagine missing this bond with Skadi because I feared losing it was nauseating to imagine. I held her gaze for a long moment, ignoring the taunts from my friends that I was a lovesick sod. I was. Skadi promised to watch me burn if I tried to ignite the blaze in her soul, and she kept her word. From those first moments, she swallowed me whole, and I never wanted to be set free.

“I would vow with you again and again, Jonas Eriksson. I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with you.” “I told you hearts were not part of the alliance, but mine will always be yours.” “Seems we failed at our indifferent vows.” “We’re terrible at them.” “What a shame.” “A tragedy.” Skadi pinched her lips and arched her body into mine. “Just once?” I laughed, cupping her face in my hands, and claiming her mouth. Skadi’s skin was flushed and her heavy breaths tangled with mine by the time I pulled away with a soft, “Never.”

In the beginning I thought love that would start wars, that would draw a heart to kill, was only a thing of romantic fae tales. I never believed my own would unfold when a prince of nightmares dared love the monster in the mists.

I thought I would find a new prison as the bride of a nightmare prince, but I found my home.