The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1)

by Renée Ahdieh

“All books are special, dear.”

For love, people consider the unthinkable … and often achieve the impossible.

Regardless, I’d like to introduce you to the Mountain of Adamant …” The caliph glanced back at Shahrzad, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. “My queen.”

When I was twelve, my best friend and I were falsely accused of stealing a necklace. The shopkeeper’s fourteen-year-old son said he would let us go for a kiss each. I broke his nose, and my best friend shoved him in a trough of water.

What a story, Shazi

“I never lose, nor am I afraid to spill blood.”

“It’s never been a question of who is going to let me behave a certain way; it’s always been a question of who is going to stop me. I thank you for answering it.”

Okayyyy she is growing on me now

“After all, every story has a story.”

Shahrzad tilted her face upward, and her eyes grew wide at what she saw. His hands tightened at her waist. He lowered his head and pressed his brow to hers, his touch as soft and gentle as a whisper. “My Mountain of Adamant.”

Soon, platters of food were brought before them—steaming, buttery basmati rice with bright orange saffron staining its center, surrounded by lamb in a savory sauce of dates, caramelized onions, and tangy barberries;

Yum! Food descriptions are always good

after. I am young, and, therefore, I know my words only carry a certain weight with the world, but I do know enough to realize you cannot control the actions of others. You can only control what you do with yourself afterward.”

Does Khalid know what a treasure you are, my dearest star?”

Such a sweet endearment term.

no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others. We are not meant to be alone, Shahrzad. The more a person pushes others away, the clearer it becomes he is in need of love the most.”

The tightening in her chest … would have to be ignored. At all cost.

She is catching feeeeelingggggssss

“You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow.”

“What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered. “If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest.

“No.” His hands dropped to her waist. “Destroy me.”

PPPPPPPPPPPFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTT

She was drowning in sandalwood and sunlight. Time ceased to be more than a notion. Her lips were hers one moment. And then they were his.

“But I do know I can’t remember the last time I wanted something so much,” he finished in a quiet voice.

'Is she worth the risk?' Khalid's response!! I am yelling

In her ear, he whispered, “Do better than this, Shazi. My queen is without limitations. Boundless in all that she does. Show them.” Her pulse raced at his warmth. In the words and the actions. The nearness of him.

Caring about him meant he had real power over her. That he held sway over her heart.

Shahrzad paused. “We’ve done this before.” “It’s not the same. It won’t be the same.”

BOYYYYYYYYY

“We women are a sad lot, aren’t we?” “What do you mean?” “Strong enough to take on the world with our bare hands, yet we permit ridiculous boys to make fools of us.”

“On pain of death … you are as important to him as his own life.”

“Khalid?” “Are you still here?” “I’m waiting for you to confide in me.”

AHhaahahaha

You are not the rumors that have been plaguing you of late. You are a king worthy of their allegiance … with a queen full of fire and promise.”

Cannot wait to see what this leads to!

Joonam. He’d called her that before. My everything.

I’m lost to him. I can’t ignore it any longer. Shahrzad closed her eyes in defeat and slid her palms to his chest.

YESSSSS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING GIRL

“Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky.”

“I want to send you away. To a place where none of this can touch you,” he began.

I thought this was a really sweet gesture but I guess I can see where Shahrzad is coming from, as well

Before she could stop her hands, they reached for him, as though they existed for no other reason than to touch him.

She wound her fingers into his hair. “There is no one I would rather see the sunrise with than you.”

“Be with me tonight,” she breathed. “In all ways. Be mine.” His eyes turned to fire. “I’ve always been yours.” He cupped her chin in his palm. “As you’ve always been mine.”

For nothing, not the sun, not the rain, not even the brightest star in the darkest sky, could begin to compare to the wonder of you.

She looked up to meet his gaze. And he smiled a smile to shame the sun.

But she did not know what to say to her past for destroying all hope of a future.

Come home.” “But,” she whispered, “I am home.”

YOU TELL HIM GIRL