The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos, #1)

by Samantha Shannon

“Reading,” Ead said lightly. “A dangerous pastime.”

“In darkness, we are naked. Our truest selves. Night is when fear comes to us at its fullest, when we have no way to fight it,” Ead continued. “It will do everything it can to seep inside you. Sometimes it may succeed—but never think that you are the night.”

desperate sob heaved out of him. His cheeks were wet with sweat and tears, his knuckles bled, and his mouth tasted of iron. “Forgive me,” he said thickly. “Forgive me, Kitston Glade.”

Her voice was steady, but her face was an ode to fatigue. Ead considered, then reached for her. At first, Sabran stiffened. A moment later, she twined their fingers and held on.

No woman should be made to fear that she was not enough.

“If we could leave the cocks out of this.” He offered a strained grin. “Old as it is, I am still attached to mine.” The Golden Empress barked a laugh at that.

“I am not your queen,” Sabran whispered over her skin, “but I am yours.” Ead raked her fingers through the dark of her hair. “And you will find that I can also be generous.”

“He needed your love. The best way I could honor the promises I made him was to let him have it in peace. And to let him love you in return.”