Ever the Hunted (Clash of Kingdoms #1)(93)
My wide-eyed stare catches King Aodren’s gaze. “Please accept my humble gratitude,” he says. “I want you to know that you are welcome at the castle whenever you’re feeling up to moving. I would enjoy sharing tea with you and talking.” He tips his chin in a regal nod and then leaves. I stare at the door, surprised that I can sense him move farther away. And baffled by my body’s reaction: Why do I want to follow?
“Britta?” Cohen says. “Are you all right?”
I snap out of my daze and take in Cohen. Why don’t I feel a pull to him anymore? The man I love is no longer the one I’m connected to. Though he’s here with me now, I cannot help but feel panicked.
“Dove?”
“Yes, I’m, uh, fine,” I say, fighting back my shock.
I suppose now I’m the one with the secrets.
TO BE CONTINUED
Acknowledgments
Writing a novel is a trek. Over craggy mountains. During a blizzard. In slippers and sweats. I would’ve never made it without the following people:
My gratitude to my mom, who told me I could be anything in life and, like Saul, taught me to press on; and to my dad, whose wanderlust inspired me to dream of other worlds.
Mark, my greatest champion and the most patient man I know, thank you for pushing me up the hill. To my children—?cyclones of laughter, curiosity, tears, joy—?may you know your potential is out of this world. To my siblings, who have put up with my wild notions and still claimed me as family.
Sarah Landis—?editing wizard and literary therapist—?my deepest gratitude goes to you and the team at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for giving me a publishing home. Thank you for your buoying praise and your skillful eye.
Josh Adams—?agent extraordinaire and slayer of skepticism—?your guidance and unshakable faith have made all the difference. Kathryn Purdie, thank you for guiding me toward the agenting light, sitting on my couch, and cleaning my book mess. Elana Johnson, I’m honored to have you as my friend. This book wouldn’t be here without you. You gave me direction on my raw ideas and, when the time came, wrote my query.
Jessie Humphries, one of my best friends, thank you for reminding me to have positive thoughts, for cutting up magazines and handing me glue to make a vision board, and for endless laughs.
My heartfelt thanks to Peggy Eddleman, my writing ally, whose compassion and kindness are boundless; to Rob Code, amazing critique partner and idea bouncer; and to Jason Manwaring, Jaime Kirby, and Julieanne Donaldson for years of support. To Cecilia Carter, who read aloud to me and helped me through the tough scenes. To Marta Tyler for her romance prowess that breathed life into Britta and Cohen. To Leslie Pugh, who cared for me while I was in recovery and believed in this book. To Danny Wilcox for his master strategy. To Finn Bjarnson for his generous nature and inspiring music.
For their encouragement and amazingness, sincere thanks to Ally Condie, Sara Larson, Stacey Ratliff, Caitlyn McFarland, Nichole Giles, Emily King, Katie King, Taffy Lovell, Tammy Merryweather, Erik Bayles, Alecia Bales, Rahul Kanakia, and Emily Hammerstad.