Shield of Sparrows (Shield of Sparrows, #1)

by Devney Perry

“That you’re bright and beautiful. That you’re brave, even in the night.”

I was always Cross or Sparrow or my queen. But rarely Odessa. I’d never loved my name more.

He was a man who’d follow me off the cliff, who’d jump at my side, not pull me away from its edge. He couldn’t die. I refused to believe that was his only fate. Ransom might have ruled out a cure. But I hadn’t. Not yet.

He might not trust me. But somewhere along the way, he’d earned my loyalty.

“You went into the water with brown hair and emerged with red. And as you hurried into the castle, dripping wet, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Then you were there, in the throne room, your hair dyed again. And I saw in you what I see in myself.”

“Why would you make me suffer losing you?” I swiped at the tears that tumbled down my cheeks. “Why not let me stay believing I was Zavier’s wife?”

“Even if we are kingdoms apart, you are mine. But I’d rather not be a kingdom apart.”

“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.”

“You. You are my choice.”

“Promise,” I lied.

For a girl who had no idea she’d just lost her mother.

The person the Guardian loved most.

Not for someone else to come to my rescue. To rescue myself.

“Run. Now, Cross.” Hot tears dripped to the dirt at my boots. “I love you.” “Yes, you do. Don’t forget.” “Never.”

“Where are you going?” Cathlin called. I kept walking. “To find my wife.”