A Court of Thorns and Roses

“Because,” he went on, his eyes locked with mine, “I didn’t want you to fight alone. Or die alone.”

let the sounds of the snow crunching underfoot drive out my father’s words as I followed the beast to the night-shrouded woods.

“Love won’t feed a hungry belly,”

a promise was law; a promise was currency; a promise was your bond

His eyes locked on mine, wide and wild, and his nostrils flared. Shock—pure shock flashed across his features at whatever he saw on my face, and he stumbled back a step. Actually stumbled

Everything I love has always had a tendency to be taken from me

I didn’t know who I danced with or what they looked like, only that I had become the music and the fire and the night

Pity those who don’t feel anything at all

Because,” he went on, his eyes locked with mine, “I didn’t want you to fight alone. Or die alone.”

“I’ll heal your arm in exchange for you. For two weeks every month, two weeks of my choosing, you’ll live with me at the Night Court. Starting after this messy three-trials business.”