More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Crown Prince Killian descends to the balcony while I stand there frozen, my whole world crumbling around me. And then, seated at his father’s side, he lifts his head and looks right at me, dark blue eyes filled with regret. My heart cracks. Lee.
“Don’t you realize?” he says ferociously. “My love for you is as unwavering and steady as the winds from Mount Wolfsbane. I’d give it all up if you told me to. I’d abdicate tomorrow.”
“You are more precious to me than you could ever imagine,” he tells me in a quieter tone.
“Do not pretend. Before, you fought against what you are. Against what we could be. But you’ve decided not to fight any longer.”
My mother nods. “Ah. Probably doesn’t want a slice of sourdough, then.”
This place will never truly be my home again.
“I’m the rightful queen of Nocturna, aren’t I?” I ask. Stark’s eyes spark, he takes a single step back, and he bows down on one knee, hand to his chest. “Welcome home, my queen.”
“By everyone except for my family. As you know, we are the sworn protectors of the royal line.” I almost burst into delirious laughter at that. I’m not insane, but Stark is definitely doing his best to nudge me in that direction. All this time. My protector, not Killian’s, not the king’s.
It’s like we were once carved from the same bone, sharing blood and breath. And then someone ripped him from me, only I can’t remember it happening. All that’s left is the fury and the enduring desire to go to him and restore what was lost.
“Give me the word and I’ll tear out his throat. All the lives I’ve ever taken were just training for this moment, my queen. Make me your instrument of vengeance. Let my hands act out your every savage, depraved thought. Use me. I’m yours.”
