More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
“Do something,” I whisper to Corrick. His blue eyes meet mine. “Hang them both?”
“Is that supposed to be a warning or a threat?” Lochlan smirks. “Maybe you shouldn’t have walked out of the palace without guards,” he says. “Maybe she shouldn’t have,” says a voice behind me, “but I brought more than enough.”
“The palace physicians weren’t sure?” “They are, but after they didn’t detect the difference in the petals Allisander was supplying to the palace, I still can’t decide if they’re incompetent or traitors.”
“What about you? Any frequent companions for the King’s Justice?” I’m trying to keep my tone light, but he holds my gaze, and I know he hears the true question there. “Ah, Tessa.” There’s something simultaneously wicked and warm in his eyes. “No one dared, until you.”
“If I start drinking wine, I’ll never remember the correct fork.”
“Mind your mettle, Corrick.” My smile widens. “Mind yours.”
It’s about everything I can’t be for Tessa.
“Are you truly unsure,” Harristan says, “or are you worried that he’s caught Tessa’s eye?”
That’s so on point that I frown and look over. “Do you really think he’s caught her eye?” He sighs and runs a hand down his face. “Cory.”
“Because you’re leaving.” For the first time I see the worry in his eyes that I already feel in my gut. “I need someone I can trust, too, Cory.”
“I don’t deserve to be treated like a secret, Corrick.”
Choices never seem like choices when the world only offers us bad ones.
“I know people expect the worst of me,” he says quietly. “I didn’t realize you were among them.”
Your girl Tessa.
I am not a criminal, and I am rather done being treated as one.”
“Him? Really?”
Her eyes haven’t left mine, and her eyes are full of fire. She mouths three words. Mind your mettle.
smile in spite of myself. Mind yours.
“You’re still doing it,” I say. “Doing what?” “Hiding who you are.”
I think the King’s Justice is afraid to be vulnerable, even in front of me.”
“You don’t like who I am, Tessa.” “I don’t like who you pretend to be.” I swallow, and it hurts. “I love the man I think you are.
“Lord, Tessa. Never apologize to me. You always make me better.”
“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.”
You found a way to forgive them, and so I found a way to forgive them.”
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’ve seen you shirtless before.” Fabric rustles. “Ah, yes. So you’re immune.” “Completely.”
“You’re not getting a show either,” I say. “Good. Because I’m not immune.”
“You’re killing me, Tessa.”
“Tessa,” I shout, but there’s no answer again. I have no idea whether she can hear me. I yell anyway. “I love you.”
“Oh, stop being so dramatic,”
“I didn’t bring it as a cure,” he says, looking at me like I’m crazy. “In Ostriary, we recognize Moonflower for what it is—a poison.”
