The Queen (Wicked Trilogy, #3.7)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You’re his mortuus, the other half of his soul, his heart. And it is very unlikely that he’ll give you up. Ever.”

“Your name is Brighton Jussier. Your friends sometimes call you Bri. Tink calls you Lite Bright,” he said, those beautiful eyes searching mine. “I call you my sunshine. Do you know why? It’s because I saw you smile once, and it was like the sun finally rising after centuries of nothing but night.”

“I will rip the skin from any fae who even has the smallest inkling of looking at her in a way I do not like,” Caden bit out.

“They didn’t want you to worry when there was nothing to be done.” “I get that. I do. That’s the only reason I haven’t killed any of them, including Fabian. And trust me,” he said, voice hardening, “I am more than capable of killing each and every one of them.”

Fear could make some brave. But fear could also turn others into the worst kind of cowards.

“I want you to feel good. I want you happy. I want you to feel safe and cherished. I want you to feel comforted and comfortable. I want you to feel loved.”

“I will be fine, with or without the throne. But I won’t be fine without you.”

“Do you know that the fae believe that a piece of their soul is released upon birth and finds a home in their soulmate?”

“Perhaps I need to be a bit clearer. I’ve chosen you, Brighton. I’ve chosen you to be my Queen.”

“You never have to say please. Ever.” Cradling my cheeks in his hands, he shuddered against me. “All that I am. All that I have. It’s yours. I’m yours.”

“Come on,” he said, his gaze light despite what had happened. “You need to find better shoes if you’re coming with me.” Relieved that he wasn’t going to try to keep me wrapped in a bubble, I nodded and started for the closet. “How about these?” Caden asked. I looked over my shoulder. He held one of the knee-high boots, all helpful like. He winked at me. “I have such fond memories of these.” “I’m going to throw that boot at your head,” I warned.

“Caden?” I coughed out a humorless laugh. “I’m going to kill the sons of bitches.”

“You are my sun. My strength. My redemption. My heart. My everything. My Queen. I will always love you.”