The Queen's Resistance (The Queen's Rising, #2)

by Rebecca Ross

You are a daughter of Maevana. You are made of ancient songs and stars and steel.

“Yes, well,” she all but stammered, her cheeks flushing. “We women can’t hide everything in our pockets, now, can we?”

A smile warmed my voice. “I will ask Pierce Halloran to bring me the golden ribbon from a tapestry.”

If Declan managed to overtake her, he would have my very heart in his hands. He could destroy me; he could ask for anything and I would surrender it without hesitation.

I wanted to be loved by her. I wanted to hear her say my name in the dark.

This is a girl who will do something with her life, and I want to be the one who helps her reach those dreams.”

“I love the heart that is within you,” Cartier said, smiling as his tears fell. “I love the spirit you are forged from, Brienna MacQuinn. If you were a storm, I would lie down and rest in your rain. If you were a river, I would drink from your currents. If you were a poem, I would never cease to read you. I adore the girl you once were, and I love the woman you have become. Marry me. Lead my lands and my people, and take me as yours.”