And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga, #1)

by Kiersten White

The warmth between them should have made Radu feel cold in comparison, but he stole a portion of it, tucking it away for the coming days when he knew he would need it.

“And, in the spirit of friendship, I must tell you that I do not care in the slightest about your petty jealousies. I am late for my training.” She hooked her foot behind Mehmed’s ankle, then slammed her shoulder into his, tripping him and throwing him to the ground. He sputtered in outrage. “I am the son of the sultan!” She pulled the door open, slicing her sword through the air in front of his throat. “No, Mehmed, you are my friend. And I am a terrible friend.” His laughter made her steps—always purposeful and aggressive—seem almost light.

Mehmed looked up from his desk, eyes lighting as he stood. Lada felt the tension and terror of anonymity drain from her body.

For the first time ever, his life had been in danger and no one had been there to save him. He had saved himself. But no one had saved that boy in the forest, and Radu cried for him, wishing that someone had.

And so she cut out her heart and offered it as a sacrifice. She would pay whatever price her mother Wallachia demanded.