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But I think of Tessa, how I promised to be better.
“I’m no one of importance,” I say. “I beg to differ. He’s lucky I didn’t have one of the guards put an arrow in his back for standing over you like that.”
“Ah, Tessa.” There’s something simultaneously wicked and warm in his eyes. “No one dared, until you.”
She said nothing. But that said everything.
“I know. As I said, I heard stories around the docks. Anyone who could break into the palace with a plan to heal people instead of harming them must be very brave indeed. Especially considering the harsh penalties for breaking the law here in Kandala.”
The Dawn Chaser.
I may have fallen in love with Tessa Cade, but as usual, I’m reminded that she didn’t fall in love with Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice. She fell in love with the outlaw Weston Lark. She fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist.
taking me into his arms like a famished man set before a feast.
“He just stopped a fight, and I thought you were going to start one.” “Good morning to you, too, Miss Cade.” Corrick isn’t whispering at all. “It sounds as though you are about to start one.”
LOL
But I know what it’s like to be backed into a corner. Choices never seem like choices when the world only offers us bad ones.
His eyes finally meet mine. “I know people expect the worst of me,” he says quietly. “I didn’t realize you were among them.”
everyone already expects the worst of me. It’s part of the reason I expect the worst of everyone else.
All I can do is move forward.
He allows everyone to think the worst of him, and all the while, he sacrifices everything he wants for the betterment of others. I don’t know if I want to punch him in the face or wrap my arms around him.
“You said you never took the mask off in the Wilds because you couldn’t take a chance that I might recognize you. But I don’t think that’s true. I think you were afraid for me to know who you were. I think the King’s Justice is afraid to be vulnerable, even in front of me.”
“I love you, Tessa,”
“I have always loved you,” he says. “I love your brilliance and your courage. I love your faith in me, and your faith in my brother, and your faith in Kandala.” His hand slides to my cheek, and his blue eyes soften, filling my vision. “I don’t ever want to frighten you. I want to take actions that will make you proud.”
“I need you to realize that your life is bigger than you think,” Corrick says. “I need you to realize that you are important to me, and to my brother, and to all of Kandala.
“You said I see everyone as an adversary. But since the moment my parents died, that’s all I’ve had. Adversaries. I’ve had to fight to hold Kandala together. I’ve had to fight to keep my brother safe. And now, if I have to, I’ll fight to hold on to you.”
“Do you still hate me?” he says softly. “No,” I whisper, like it’s a secret. “I love you.” He leans closer. “What’s that?” he teases. “I can’t hear you.” “I said you’re a huge pain in my—” I break off with a squeal when he kisses me, then melt into his hands when he pulls me close.
Tonight, like before, it’s the two of us against the night.
He’s looking down at me, his eyes fixed on mine, affectionate yet predatory, gentle yet primal. Something inside me grips tight, stealing my breath.
“Go ahead, Your Majesty,” says Bella, choking on laughter again. “Why don’t you introduce yourself?”
HOLY CRAP. Whaaaaat!?
