A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)

by Sarah J. Maas

My vow fulfilled, my task complete—what was left for me?

Not realizing that I craved his warmth, his nearness, until he was gone.

“This reminds me of it.” “Of what?” I breathed. He lowered the painting, looking right at me, right into me. “That I’m not alone.”

I didn’t need to pretend, didn’t need to be anything but what I was right then,

“I love you,” he whispered, and kissed my brow. “Thorns and all.”

I would not become another weight pressing upon his shoulders. So I said nothing as the carriage moved. And I did not look back as we passed through the manor gates and into the forest beyond.