I’d stop anyone from taking that smile from you. I would, if I were allowed.
She turned so they were face-to-face and gave him back the words he’d offered her their first night together: “I survived. Isn’t that what matters?
The Summer King stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Can you offer me your fidelity? Your heart and your body and your companionship for eternity? Do you want my fidelity? Either love me or kiss me goodbye, my Summer Queen.
You’re killing me here, Ash. Good, she said. She’d bend a few rules, but they both knew she wasn’t going to push him beyond where he chose to go. Love wasn’t to be based on trickery. But reminding him what he’s refusing isn’t trickery.
You are my queen. I’ve spent nine centuries seeking the mortal who would free this court, who would save my best friend’s son, who would save the lives of the rest of the girls who were not you. I’d die before I’d allow harm to you.” He bowed his head.
I survived. Isn’t that what matters?
He had hopes, but hope wasn’t a solution.
It’s okay. You’re going to save me, Miss Maylene.” The girl gave her a genuine look of happiness. “I know it. I knew if I found you everything would be okay.
Sometimes love means letting go when you want to hold on tighter.
Some mortals – like you – are already half in love with death. It is who you are, and I’ll not make it harder on you by telling you things you don’t need to know. Ask me again when you die. Then I’ll tell you everything, anything, nothing.
He’d given her his vow: to take care of her, to keep her from hurt or pain, from wanting for anything. Her leaving didn’t negate his promises; they weren’t conditional.
He leaned back for a moment to tug her shirt down her arms, with the same wicked, lovley smile that had first stolen her breath years ago.
Love is a mistake when we’re all going to die any day now.
Love ans desire aren’t the same.
You need to face what you’re running from.
Sleep well, and stay where I put you.
You don’t have to do those things. You don’t have to become a hero, Seth.
If he took her into his arms, he would keep her. He wouldn’t let her suffer the way the other mortals had when he’d left them. He would keep her, with his court’s permission or without it. Irial wouldn’t take her, and Keenan wouldn’t stand between them.
You already gave me forever, Aislinn. I’m asking for a chance at right now.
And sometimes you meet someone who doesn’t see you any differently if you tell them. That is everything.