The Troll Queen's Bride

e read it," Yuri squealed, chasing Rosy out of my roo

and a ferocious winter gale picked up, blowi

to bleed, and the well fed bird discarde

fled to the peal

untable wind like lindworm breath?" I murmured

e, mara and trolls of the Dark Court from the depths of the woods. The Cunnin

the Stronghold across the Maroon Sea? Only citizens of Arcadia could grant passage th

rds and arrows. Father roared, raging forward aback a white gelding, his shield clanging against

tes!" King Hakkon, the Lion of the South

mist stepped my She-Beast. Q

om stories below, her red eyes fixated on me. She ga

simply here for the girl Aslaugh promised to me in return for her people's salvation: her firstborn, the princess Turiel," the Beast said, smirk

ablazing. "You speak lies. Aslaugh would never consort with th

ddenly, her bat wings expanded, she alighted to the

hes, daughter of my dear friend Aslaugh," she said with a seductive, throaty voice - half growl, half song like a wolf's call. She hung from the parapet with red eyes, fangs, a m

e. I enchanted it using Sunna's light to crackling flame. I stabbed Queen Jarngrimr in the gristle of her shoulder, burning her flesh with the rune Kenaz, and she laughed in twisted, unfet

ith me, or your precious, genocidal father dies. Now, Turiel, have I not been sweet to you in our visions? You know that I can bring pleasure as much as pain. I am the Queen of t

enemy, protector of all the worst of the huldref

he-B

roll

herself!" I screamed, plunging

dry black veins were empty like mine. I gasped, my

on," she laughed, her voice rough and low. The sound was intoxicating. I

. Much better to come with me, eh, little snowflower? This kingdom is not safe for you sisters anymore. Soon, Eleleth will

y with will o the wisps and suck the lives out of girls and men with mara and Rhine maide

There is a difference.

issed my hand

alk

You?

all of

e into her arms. I shrieked

e with what little they had, but with her long sharp claws

raight