The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)

by Danielle L. Jensen

Lara withdrew her hand from his shoulder, but he caught it with his own. Folding her fingers into a fist, he kissed her knuckles, eyes burning into hers. “Don’t go.” Everything was burning.

THE TENSION IS STRONG

Then another, and another, until all twenty-six pages in the box contained identical damning words.

Wait, but he started a letter to her father already and stashef it in a secret compartment right? Which means these probably ARENT getting to her father

It landed about midway up the beach, and Lara watched in horror as dozens upon dozens of snakes shot out of the overhang, flying toward the fish with their jaws open. They were big, the average of them longer than Aren was tall, and some much larger than that.

I think you mean this is HELL NO Island

“Says the woman who’s been nothing but a thorn in my—” He cut off with a yelp as Jor leaned back in the boat and kicked him solidly in the ass. Aren landed on his hands and knees with a splash, nearly knocking Lara over. Regaining his footing faster than she had, Aren shouted, “Goddammit, Jor. What the hell was that for?” But the boat was already sailing away. “We’ll be back,” Jor shouted, “Once you two work out this little marital spat.” Then the vessel rounded the pier and they were out of sight.

ALL HAIL JOR (PLEASE dont bang on Hell No island)

“I’m not surprised. Given how little worth you place on Maridrinian lives.”

YES COMMUNICATE

But you know what he demanded? Harendellian steel.”

KNEW IT

A fourth plan, which involved sticking a knife deep into Aren’s guts, began to evolve as Lara followed the two men off the docks.

I love her so much

“The only good our princess’s marriage has done for Maridrina was line the pockets of the beggars the king paid to sit on the street and cheer her name as she passed.”

I FRIGGIN KNEW THEY WERE PAID

Jor cleared his throat. “He’s gotten himself married off, Marisol.”

HAHAHAHA

ago. Staring at the polite greeting and appropriate honorifics, he shoved the page aside, reaching for a clean sheet.

Shit

“I love you.”

I like that she said it first

I suppose I’ll have to put aside the dream of taking you on when Aren gets himself killed with one of his stupid stunts.” “Piss off, Jor.” Lara only smiled. “Fortunately for you, I have a soft spot for elderly men.” “Elderly?” Bits of cake flew from the guard’s mouth. “I’ll have you know, little miss, that I’m . . .”

I love that man lol

Gemstones. The word plucked at Lara’s mind, important somehow, though she couldn’t think of why. “What sort of gemstones?” Every pair of eyes in the room shifted to her before moving to Aren. His jaw tightened with obvious irritation. “Answer the question.” “Rubies,” Aster said. “But Amarid has no mines, so it’s likely nothing more than a rumor.”

And here it is. Her father is smuggling them rubies. Probably in exchange for help in the coming war and weapons

“Thought you already went up to the house.”

PLEASE let it be a sister that'll believe her and help

“Hello, little sister,” a familiar voice said, and the woman reached up and pulled back her hood.

I KNEW ITD BE HER

Marylyn had been the noblewoman on the ship Emra had boarded.

I frigging knew that was her