Shield of Sparrows (Shield of Sparrows, #1)

by Devney Perry

He might be a jackass, but at least he was handsome. There were worse things to behold at the end of a life than a nice face.

“No,” I lied. “I’m hearing that word a lot from you lately.” “Get used to it.” Sweat beaded at my temples. My arms started to shake.

Freya had been a comfort since I’d arrived in Treow. She was by far my favorite Turan. But people here would likely notice her disappearance before mine. Horses, I’d learned, were essential to Turan life. Hell, they’d probably mount a search party to rescue Freya and leave me to rot.

“Did you ever stop to think that maybe the door to your cage has always been unlocked, Sparrow? And all you had to do was push it open?”

“Sometimes being strong and brave means staying behind and out of the fight.”

“You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t come armed with questions. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like the weapons are unnecessary.”

“I told you to stay quiet today.” “I couldn’t help myself. He made me mad.” “Gods save the men who make you mad.”

It wasn’t that he’d chosen Jocelyn. It was that he hadn’t chosen me. Why was I never the first choice? Why was I always the consolation prize?

“You are not a pawn, Odessa. Not to me. You are the Sparrow. You are my wife. You are the future queen of Turah.”

Mine. It was everything I’d wanted to hear for weeks. It was the lie that shattered my heart.

Another princess might have mustered one last fight. A decent princess would have stood her ground. But I wasn’t a good princess.

If the last kiss had ignited the spark, this kiss set me aflame.

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

“I love you.” “Yes, you do. Don’t forget.” “Never.” “Neither will I.” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “I will find you. Here, or in the shades.”