Vow of the Shadow King (Bride of the Shadow King, #2)

by Sylvia Mercedes

And grief is such a wild, untamed creature, always returning at the most unexpected times to bite.

What kind of monster asks after its prey’s wellbeing after nearly tearing out its throat?

Knowing me, knowing my heart. Knowing that truth which, until this moment, I’ve struggled so hard to deny. I am falling irrevocably in love. With my wife.

“I don’t care about the risks, Vor. I’m ready. I’m ready to risk it all because any risk is worth it to be with you. If this moment is all we ever have, I’m willing to accept whatever pain may come.” I blink hard, try to force back the tears sparking in my eyes. “I won’t live my life aching for what I never had the courage to take.”

“What have you done to me?” He kisses me again, gently. A sweet touch, like a promise, a prayer. “I would hazard it all. My realm, my crown, my kingdom. Even my honor. All for you. Only for you.”

“You are mine, Faraine. My Queen. Sovereign Lady of Mythanar and the Under Realm, from this day forth and forevermore.”

Full of lingering pain. Pain to which she chose to return. She was beyond all of this, all the horror, all the fear. All the hurts and shocks to which the natural body is subject. But she came back. For me. Then and there, with her kiss burning my lips I make a solemn vow: to be worthy of that choice. To be worthy of her love. To be worthy of her. My angel. My queen. My wife.