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

by L.J. Andrews

But such a longing for such a woman proved a fiercer beast to tame.

I am unashamed to say if you die, then a piece of me dies with you. I love, and they use it against me, true. But I will never regret loving. Not even you, stupid as you are.”

She did not have fury, but she might as well have. Elise Lysander cast a spell over me. One I could not break.

Gods, my name off her tongue had power. Dark, dangerous, perfect power.

“You command me.” He smiled against my mouth. “All of me. Irritating, since I am a prince.”

“I am the man who touches you. The only man.” His lips drew close to my ear; his voice grew dark and violent. “You’re mine,

“They win if we do not live.”

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.”

I knew I was bested. They would take me, but no mistake, I would die fighting.

“I have only known him to be loyal. Gentle. The most attentive man I’ve met. You wish to shame me for being his lover, but I could never bear shame for such a thing. Anything I ask, he would give it unconditionally.”

smiled, unguarded. Tears of relief gathered in the corners of my eyes when I tilted my face at Jarl and laughed. “You did not find him, Jarl Magnus. He found you.”

“My name is Valen Ferus, the Night Prince of Etta! And you, false king, you are in my seat.”

“The breaker of night and fear begins his fight when yours ends.”