A Clash of Three Courts (An Heir Comes to Rise, #4)

by C.C. Peñaranda

“Before I knew what bond binds us, I fell in love with you. For your resilience, your patience, for every flaw and every triumph. I love you enough to set you free.”

“Say that again. But say it like you mean it, Tauria.” They stared off in challenge as he held her still, matching hard breaths of anguish. “I hate you, Nikalias.”

I want you to know that I would go to war for you. Because you are Fenstead, but you are also High Farrow. And no matter what you choose, I am yours. Even if you cannot be mine.”

“I don’t need time, not another second, to know that I choose you, Nikalias. That I will fight for you. For us, and for our kingdoms. Until my last breath, I want to be yours.”

What became of them beyond this… Was a fight together. Never parted, never alone again.

“I love you, Tauria. As eternal as the moon, I love you.”

His words alone triggered the upturning of her mouth, and she was so euphoric in that moment bliss made her forget all that lay beyond this forgotten room. She didn’t care about crown or country. War or conflict or peace. All she cared about was him. The rare joy on his face that took her back to that first night they’d shared together. Unburdened.

They were two hearts, one soul. Only death could come between them now.

“We might have a fight against evil on our hands, but whatever they’re capable of, I’m not afraid to become far worse if they lay a hand on you.”

“You used to tell me that you create the wind in your sails. That you would create mine too. I think without realizing it, you always have.”

Be careful, as there may come a time where telling friend from foe becomes far more difficult.

cuz it's not hard enough already

The flash of merciless violence was something he had never seen before on Nik. Chilling, but he had to admire his protective spirit that didn’t hesitate for those he loved and his kingdom. No matter what it might settle in his soul once it was over.

“To see the end the Mortal Gods must stand,” he began, his voice a song as he recited words that gripped her so entirely she tremored as if he spoke of something great to come. “It is not without them that power is true. Fall one, fall all. Find friend in foe to see it through.”

“Tell me, do they still school young ones on the Seven Gods?” Tauria tried to recall. “Most believe the Gods to be a myth now. We were taught there has only ever been the three Spirits. Though one was cast out from duty a long time ago.”

“They are Divine beings. They came from the Realm of the Spirits to grant order.” “The Realm of the Gods, child. Do not think they are one and the same.”

“You’re hurt. And if you don’t tell me who, I won’t be responsible for my actions when I get there.”

“Our forever…it knows no realm or time.”

“Or trial or prophesy,”

“No matter what happens, I love you. Everything can be taken from me, but not that. It was never because of the bond. It was you. Only you.”

“You are my life, Tauria. There won’t be a realm or time that exists where I won’t love you. As eternal as the moon, remember?”

“She is a queen with two.”

“Your first mistake was imprisoning her.” Nik looked her over carefully, studying every mark. “Your second mistake was making a mockery of something sacred to our kingdom.” Tauria’s chest burst with pride and warmth at his words. Our kingdom.

Seize the wind, love. Bold and without restraint. Unleash the Nether on them all. As Fenstead…”

“And as High Farrow,”

“You are born of the wind. Don’t fight it; become it. You are more than enough.”

It was in love and loyalty that they would raise the greatest army Ungardia had ever seen to fight back against evil.