Goldfinch (The Plated Prisoner, #6)

by Raven Kennedy

I raise the dagger to my chest as tears drip off my face, and I hear my mother’s words. You’re going to be exactly what this kingdom needs, Malina, because it’s in your blood. This time, I can give Orea my blood. This time, I won’t fail. With wet, burning eyes, I look straight at Dommik and I plead. “I wish you’d go,” I cry, my hand shaking so badly I can’t keep the dagger lined up with my heart. “I wish you’d live.” He lets out a choked breath before he reaches up to hold my face. Runs a thumb across my cheek. Kisses me softly. “I’m your assassin, remember? I’m in charge of your death. So if it has to be you, then it has to be me too, Queenie,” he says quietly. Heartbreakingly. Then he reaches up and steadies my shaking hand, his fingers curling over mine where I’m gripping the hilt. “You don’t have to face death without me. You don’t have to go alone.”