Court of Ice and Ash (The Broken Kingdoms, #2)

by L.J. Andrews

“I do enjoy listening to the both of you say thoughts out loud. Almost as if you’re convincing the fates that brought her to us, as if they care what you think. Elise is his hjӓrta, the song of our prince.”

Legends spoke of old fury that would connect two lovers in such a way their souls seemed to bond like a song’s harmony. Unbreakable.

The tops of trees cut through a gathering fog like fingers tangled in the hair of a lover.

Emotion scratched up my throat. “Do you ever wish he were here instead of⁠—” “No,” Tor interrupted. “I do not waste time with wishing.” With that, Tor cupped the back of my head, eyes locked with mine. “I am nothing but cruel, broken pieces of what I was because Sol is gone. There is an eternal hole in my chest, but you are my brother, and not once have I wished anyone else stood at my side.”

“He always will,” Tor snarled. “You will either be his rise or his downfall. And neither of you sees it.”

“When someone trusts you so much that they reveal their broken, splintered pieces, you cannot unsee them. You help them mend. You share yours.”

Our breaths tangled until we breathed as one. My grip tightened in her braid, urging her body to mine.

He didn’t care about anyone watching when he pulled me close and kissed me. Not long enough, and the kiss came from a place of fear. A tremble darkened his voice when he whispered against the curve of my ear, “Never doubt for whom my heart beats.”