Troll Queen (Elven Alliance, #4)

by Tara Grayce

Rharreth had to fix it. No matter what it took. He never wanted to look into an enemy’s eyes and see more honor there than he saw in his own people.

“Treat my sister well. I have killed two troll kings. Do not make me kill a third.” Before Prince Rharreth could so much as glare back, Farrendel spun on his heels and marched away. Julien shook his head. “I see he didn’t need any tips on making threats.” Edmund shrugged. “I think we should have been the ones taking notes from him.”

“It is all right to cry. It is not weakness to ask for help nor is it strength to silently bear what truly should not be your burden to carry. Burdens are not meant to be carried alone.”

In the background, one of the Parliament members was bowing to Essie. More like groveling, as he said, “Thank you—thank you—Princess Elspeth for marrying that elf.”

“Being king mostly stinks. It is just a long list of problems that everyone expects you to fix even if you can’t.

Julien leaned over and smacked Averett’s shoulder. “You are drunk on being right. It’s making you talk grandiose nonsense.” “Thank you, Julien. I was going to smack him if you didn’t.”

We are probably going to be an elf legend. Love. A bit of tragedy. An early death, by elven standards. Our life has all the makings of a story you elves apparently enjoy.

“You’re right. Who else but a very spoiled youngest sibling would be able to talk their stubborn king of a brother into agreeing to something as crazy as this marriage alliance idea?”

The disgusted look on your face was hilarious, but his expression will be priceless.”

“Then the correct question to ask is if this degree will make you a better person. A better brother. A better warrior. A better prince. A better husband. And, someday, hopefully, a better father. If you believe that this will make you better able to fulfill whatever calling you are given in your life, and you obviously have thought through the logistics of your decision, then that is all I need to know.”

Weylind glared at Essie. “You are corrupting my entire family.” “I know. I am such a bad influence.”