“Do you just oblige me?” Aldrik asked coolly. Vhalla laughed. “Of course not. I enjoy being near you, hearing your thoughts, spending… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Larel’s voice was sad and sincere. “Aldrik’s been through a good deal, much of which he’s never even imparted to me. But… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I love you,” he repeated, a determined fire lighting his eyes. “It is one of the worst things I could ever do,”… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Take care, lest I have to burn the Crossroads to the ground in a rage.”… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“We're hopeless, you and I," Vhalla whispered. "If I am going to be hopeless for anyone, let it be for you, Vhalla… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“It doesn't matter." Aldrik shook his head. "I will fight to keep you until the end of my days.” — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“You're right about it all. I wanted you. The moment I found out what you were, I wanted you like a prize… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“We all believe in you two. We are all fighting for you. Do you know why?" She shook her head. She didn't… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Stop avoiding my question!" he demanded. "I am not!" The last of her resolve shattered and her control slipped away. Tears were… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I wanted your forgiveness, as though that innocent acceptance would absolve me of all the blood on my hands. I wanted to… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I've always loved watching you sleep. Seeing you at peace." He brushed hair lovingly away from her face. "I plan to do… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Aldrik," she said stubbornly, "I survived the Night of Fire and Wind, an assassination attempt, a fall from the Pass, a run… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I will never push you away again," he whispered. "I'll never let you," Vhalla laughed softly. "I vow to honor my promise… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“The fires of Solaris, the fires of justice, burn bright and hot. The sun is rising, and it will cast this darkness… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“For the first time in the whole of knowing him, Aldrik looked lost, shell-shocked. She tried to offer him an encouraging smile,… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Vhalla was there the moment her prince became her Emperor. He turned back to her helplessly. For the first time in the… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I spoke for you today," he confessed. Vhalla's heart skipped a beat. "I did not speak before not because I did not… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“You foolish idiot,” he suddenly rasped, drawing himself to his feet. “You went without orders from your superior. You ignored the call.… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Just like that, the world changed. Aldrik held out both hands before her and helped her to her feet. Vhalla stood, not… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“If you want to make the widely accepted appropriate decision, then leave now, have mercy and end this before you entice me… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I didn't come for him," Vhalla whispered softly. The gardens were surrounded by a tall palace wall that blocked most of the… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“He was no longer a wildfire burning with rage. He was now the fires of the forges he'd stoked. He burned for… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“They could have at least tried to hide it," one of the soldiers around her remarked. "Not very hard to tell which… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Then I realized I just wanted you around. My days were better when they involved you. I enjoyed your thoughts. It was… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“She simply saw someone who was lonely, someone who could likely count their friends on one hand, and perhaps wanted to one day use… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“You are a symbol, Vhalla. And, despite what some may have you believe, you have more control over what you symbolize than anyone else.” — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“We all know the story. We heard it not long after the Night of Fire and Wind. You were the low born library girl… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Vhalla,” he said in a dangerously soft voice, “you may be incredibly special to me, but never lash out at me again.” — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“You wished for time,” Aldrik explained. “I heard each utterance when you beseeched time to stop, for mornings not to come. I want you… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I told you this would never be easy, I warned you. I begged you to spare my heart if you weren’t ready for this… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Do you just oblige me?” Aldrik asked coolly. Vhalla laughed. “Of course not. I enjoy being near you, hearing your thoughts, spending time with… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“Larel’s voice was sad and sincere. “Aldrik’s been through a good deal, much of which he’s never even imparted to me. But I’ve seen… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“I love you,” he repeated, a determined fire lighting his eyes. “It is one of the worst things I could ever do,” Aldrik confessed.… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Take care, lest I have to burn the Crossroads to the ground in a rage.” Vhalla laughed… — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“We're hopeless, you and I," Vhalla whispered. "If I am going to be hopeless for anyone, let it be for you, Vhalla Yarl.” — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
“It doesn't matter." Aldrik shook his head. "I will fight to keep you until the end of my days.” — Elise Kova Copy Share Image
