The Inadequate Heir (The Bridge Kingdom Book 3)

by Danielle L. Jensen

“There is no denying that your father was a flawed and violent man, but your mother is the only woman he ever loved. It was not her defiance in going after Lara that drove him to kill her, but the things she said when he caught up to her.

And I think even if I were to reveal this truth to the people, they’d forgive you, Keris, because they want what you’ve promised. But Petra? Petra does not love. Petra does not feel. And Petra and I have a rapport that goes back all those years ago to when she delivered word to my flock that her sister, the true and rightful heir to Valcotta, was staying, virtually unprotected, at a villa near the border. I, in turn, whispered that information into the ears of your father.” His breath caught, horror turning his veins to ice. The empress had arranged the murder of her own sister. Zarrah’s mother.

Because if I meet my end, Petra will find out that Zarrah betrayed her plans. I promise you that. My flock is loyal only to me.”

All her life, Lara had been taught that her value was in what she could accomplish only to have those who should’ve cared about her, should’ve protected her, turn on her once she’d served her purpose. Who could blame her for allowing that to sink into her soul, especially after how he’d treated her? Who could blame her for continuing to risk her health—her life—just to ensure she was worth something to those she loved?

She loved him more than life. Wanted him more than breath. And with everything feeling so fragile, so tenuous, Lara needed this connection to him.

even though we know that the creatures steered clear of you because your blood was fouled with stimulants.” That had been the reason?

as she skimmed the report from the continent, her eyes snagging on Keris’s name. On Zarrah’s. “Oh no.” She met Aren’s gaze. “What does this mean?” He exhaled, squaring his shoulders. “It means war.”