Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2)

by Leigh Bardugo

“I’m going to marry Alina,” Mal says.

“So, no heart flutters or swooning, even in the arms of a royal prince?” He was teasing, but I heard the uncertainty beneath his words. “I seem to be immune,” I replied. “And luckily, I know what a real kiss should feel like.” I left him standing in the middle of the square. I could get used to making Mal blush.

“No, Alina. You came here for Ravka. For the firebird. To lead the Second Army.” He tapped the sun over his heart. “I came here for you. You’re my flag. You’re my nation.

“I have loved you all my life, Mal,” I whispered through my tears. “There is no end to our story.”