More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
She was a challenge to look upon without wincing, but he very much liked her wry humor.
“Not the wedding present I intended for you, wife,” he said on shortened breaths. “I’ll make it up to you later.”
His reply birthed a legion of butterflies in her belly. “Beyond that slope is Bast-Haradis and the capital. Welcome to my kingdom, Ildiko of the Kai.”
He reached for her free hand. “You are also a princess of the blood through marriage, a member of the royal family. My wife. Every Kai in that room owes you their allegiance and respect. I will cut out any tongue that would try and besmirch you, Ildiko.” He pressed his lips to her palm. The tiniest crack appeared in her serene composure. Her mouth twitched with the hint of a smile. “Or bury an axe blade in their heads?” His guilt over his inability to rescue her from his own family eased a little at her humor. “I’m adept with spear and sword as well. Just name who you want me to skewer for
...more
“They are only serpents, Ildiko. Crush them beneath your heel.”
Brishen leaned closer to Ildiko. “Are you ready?” She surprised him with a soft exhalation of relief. “Yes,” she whispered. “If this is what it takes to silence your mother, I’ll eat this vile pie all day long.” A howl of laughter threatened to escape his throat. Ildiko jumped in her seat when Brishen turned and pressed his cheek to hers so that his face was turned away from the audience, and his lips brushed her ear. It was a stunning display of public affection—one he knew his mother would fume over for days and the court would gossip about for weeks. He allowed himself a small chuckle then.
...more
He and Ildiko bowed and made their escape into the hallway. “How fast can you walk?” he said. For the first time that evening, she offered him a wide smile, flashing her small square teeth. “I can run if you want me to.” “Excellent.” He grabbed her hand and they dashed together through the corridors and up a flight of stairs until they stood outside the doors to his chamber and hers. “How did I do, husband?” Ildiko said when she caught her breath. Brishen reached for her hand and brought it to his mouth for a kiss, then bowed before her. “You make a magnificent hercegesé, my wife.”
Brishen had shown her the gardens shortly after his return of Talumey’s mortem light to his family. Ildiko had gasped and clapped her hands at its beauty. Pale flowers bloomed in lush profusion, glowing softly under the moon’s light in shades of iridescent pearl and ivory. The leaves on the trees were plated silver, and the entire garden shimmered in the black night like the surface landscape of a fallen star.
