More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Read between
February 9 - February 11, 2024
What most historians routinely fail to understand or, for that matter, convey, is that Queen Elma I of Rothen was neither hero, nor traitor, nor figure of legend. She was simply a woman.
“It won’t hurt a bit. I keep my blades sharp. You’ll feel a little pinch, that’s all. I’ll hold you ‘til it’s done. And if it makes you feel better…”
In the face of death, alone and helpless, there were no kings or queens. Only people, fragile bones and pumping hearts, blood beneath paper-thin skin.
She made a show of arching her back, slowly, her eyes never leaving his. She had never been more grateful for her ability to lie with conviction. “I want you inside me when you do it. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like, to die at the height of pleasure.”
“I thought you’d be such an easy kill. I dreamed of your blood on my fingers, sticky and hot.”
“Look at you,” he breathed. “It’s like you’re carved from ice, frigid and perfect. There are so many things I’d rather do to that body than carve it up, but… you being who you are…”
It reminded her that somewhere, art was being made for the sake of it.
She wanted to close her eyes and lick the thick red from his skin, taste the metallic salt of it. She imagined him fighting back, drawing a steel edge delicately across her own bare flesh. She wondered if it might feel like the caress of a lover. Hatred, helplessness, and an insidious lust warred for dominance in her chest.
“Sweet, depraved creature. I’ve never met anyone with such bloodlust.”
“I hate you.” “As you should.” Rune moved toward her, and the air between them seemed to electrify. “But strangely, I don’t hate you. Isn’t that interesting?”
Rune looked at Elma as if she were the only thing that existed in that moment. “You could be loved, Elma Volta. You could grow a garden.”
“If it makes you feel any better, Majesty, I am nothing if not yours.”
