The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom, #2)

by Danielle L. Jensen

“She doesn’t know what love is.” “That’s why you should forgive her.”

How could it not matter to him that she’d turned her back on her father and a lifetime of training?

“Look at me. Listen to me.” He resisted. Like he knew what she was going to say. But then he met her gaze. “I’m sorry.” A wave hammered her in the back, forcing her to pause while she fought the current. “I’m so sorry for all the hurt that I caused you. All the hurt I caused Ithicana. And I need you to know that I’d die a thousand times over if there were a way to undo it.” “Lara—” She shook her head violently, because she didn’t want his forgiveness. She didn’t deserve it. “My father is dead. He’s dead, and he can’t hurt you or Ithicana anymore. Keris will be king, and there will be a chance for Maridrina and Ithicana to be allies in truth. For the first time, Ithicana has a chance at a better future. But it needs you to make it happen. Don’t sacrifice that for me.” “But I need you.” He pulled her tight against the metal, his forehead pressing against hers through the bars. “I love you, and I’ve never stopped. Not once, not even when I should have.”

“True. But those myths and legends mean they’ll give you the opportunity to earn their forgiveness. If you’re willing to try.” She was crying now, gasping sobs of relief. That was what she wanted more than anything else. The opportunity to atone. The opportunity to be better. The opportunity to love.