The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)

by Rachel Gillig

“Are you embarrassed to be bad at something?” Rory asked. “Or just embarrassed to be bad at it in front of me?”

I lifted my palm. Put it to my mouth. Ran my lips over the indents.

“This armor fits me better than my Divining robe ever did,” I said abruptly. “It’s an honor to wear it.” I reached up. Grazed the rim of my shroud. “But I’ve sworn to Aisling, and I’ve sworn to the Omens, and I’ve sworn to my friends, who are now forever gone.” I drew in a long breath. “I think I would like to stop promising myself away, or else there will be nothing left of me to give, King Castor.”

My frown vanished. “I can’t ask you to leave the knighthood.” “Because you know I’d say yes?” “Because the king relies on you. I can’t ask you to choose between—” “You don’t have to.” His eyes were so dark. So soft. “I’ve already chosen.”