Shield of Sparrows (Shield of Sparrows, #1)

by Devney Perry

A finger hooked under my chin. I knew whose finger it was before I lifted my eyes. The Guardian crouched before me, still covered in blood. He’d walked to me without a sound, his footsteps as light as feathers. “Are you all right, my queen?” It was the gentlest I’d ever heard his voice. Low and smooth like silk.

His eyes flashed silver, his own rage bubbling to the surface. Good. Maybe now he’d actually fight. “You are not a pawn, Odessa. Not to me. You are the Sparrow. You are my wife. You are the future queen of Turah.”

“I cannot trust you with all of my truths, Odessa.” He stepped closer, his hand lifting to the hair at my temple. To a wild red curl that he twisted around a finger. “But I will give you as many as possible.” He pulled the curl straight before letting it spring free. Then both of his hands were in my hair, pushing it away as he took my face in his palms. “Forgive me, my queen. Please.”

“You are mine.” His hands dove into my hair, fingers threading through my curls. “Even if we are kingdoms apart, you are mine. But I’d rather not be a kingdom apart.” My breath hitched. Would he really follow me across Calandra? Leave his homeland, his people, behind? “You can’t leave Turah.” “When I am nothing but dust and ash, Turah will endure. I do not need a crown. And I have made peace with my destiny. But before I step into my grave, my choice is you.” He dropped a kiss to my temple, his fingers tracing along my jaw as his hand fell from my face. Then he stepped away, about to disappear into the night. “Sleep well, my queen.” My choice is you.