Eidolon (Wraith Kings, #2)

by Grace Draven

“Answer my question, Ildiko,” he almost snarled. “Do you want me to renounce you?” “No!” she cried. “Never.” She massaged her aching throat where more sobs gathered to choke her words. “I also don’t want you to suffer through that ritual or fight galla. But you will because you must. And you must renounce me.” He snatched a goblet from the table next to him and hurled it against the door. “I am king!” he roared, the thin veneer of calm burned away by rage. “I will do as I wish, and I will keep my wife!” Ildiko ventured to touch him, a light glide of fingertips on his arm. He shivered but didn’t move away. He breathed hard, as if winded from a long run across the plains. Sorrow warred with pity to see her valiant husband struggle under the yoke of kingship. “Privilege,” she said gently, “gives the crown its shine. Duty gives it its weight. It’s because you are now king that you can’t do as you wish. The person you are—honorable, brave—will do what’s required.”