The Oleander Sword (The Burning Kingdoms, #2)

by Tasha Suri

“Priya.” The name came shakily to Malini’s lips. “It was for you. Maybe all of it or maybe part of it but you, you—I can’t—” A flutter of broken words, little shards of words, blooming as the roses twined from Priya’s skin onto Malini’s steadying hands. “I barely understand it, the way I would willingly kneel for you, anywhere, for anything. The way I would fight for you. The way I want to be at your side. Is that what love is, Malini? Is that how awful love is? Because if it is, then I love you, the way that roots love the deep and leaves love the light. It’s—the way I am. And no matter how much I try to be good, to do right—I’m all flowers in your arms, for your war, for you—” “Priya. Priya.” Malini pressed her face against Priya’s. Felt the changing skin—the rhythm of her breath, the promise that Priya was here and alive. “I should never have asked you to come,” she whispered against Priya’s cheek. “I should never have let you go into battle.” “But you need me. You needed me here.” “I needed you,” Malini agreed. “Need you still. But not just for your gifts. Never just for your gifts. Surely, surely you know.”