A Crown Of Shadows A Winter Court Fantasy Romance – Jemma Knight

It throws me off balance more effectively than any criticism could have. “I’ve negotiated with tribal warlords who’d happily slit my throat if I misspoke,” I shrug, uncomfortable with the praise. “Diplomatic bullshit is diplomatic bullshit, regardless of species.” His lips twitch, almost a smile. “Such elegant phrasing. You’ll be writing poetry for the court next.” “God forbid.” An awkward silence falls between us, not hostile but uncertain. We’re in uncharted territory without our usual framework of antagonism and reluctant attraction.

Calaziel glances toward a crystal archway leading to the gardens. “The twilight gardens are particularly active this evening. Would you…” He hesitates, as if uncertain of his welcome. “Would you walk with me? There’s something I’d like to show you.” The request surprises me more than his earlier compliment. This isn’t court obligation or ceremonial necessity. This is a choice. His choice to seek my company.

“Lead the way,” I say, curious despite myself. The gardens at twilight transform into something from another world entirely—which I suppose they are. Floating witch-lights drift among crystalline trees that seem to hum when the evening breeze passes through their branches. Ice sculptures that appeared static during daylight hours now shift subtly, changing pose by imperceptible degrees.

Most stunning are the frost-blooming flowers that only open as daylight fades, their petals unfurling with soft chiming sounds to reveal centres that glow with blue-white light. “It’s beautiful,” I breathe, momentarily forgetting to maintain my guard. “Yes,” Calaziel agrees, watching me rather than the gardens. “The twilight reveals what daylight conceals.”

We walk in silence for several minutes, following a path of polished black stone through groves of crystal trees. I notice something strange happening in our wake—frost patterns forming on the ground where we pass, spiralling outward in intricate designs that seem to flow and pulse with a life of their own. “Is that you doing that?” I ask, pointing to the patterns. Calaziel glances back, looking almost embarrassed.

“An… involuntary response. The magic reacts to emotional states.” “What emotion causes frost spirals?” He doesn’t answer immediately, leading me deeper into the garden toward a secluded grove centred around a small frozen pool. The trees here are taller, older, their crystalline branches forming a canopy that captures and multiplies the light from the witch-orbs. “I spent much of my childhood here,” he says finally, avoiding my question.

“It was the only place I could… be myself, rather than the Winter heir.” I study his profile, struck by the vulnerability in his admission. “Were you ever allowed to just be a kid?” His laugh holds little humour. “Not in the way you mean.

Published by Obsidian Throne Publishing No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author. Jemma Knight has asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, to be identified as the Author of this work. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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This is a work of fiction. Name, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Cover by Get Covers Editing Sassi’s Editing Service A Crown of Shadows, Jemma Knight 1st ed.

1kitap1.com/en Contents 1. Chapter One 2. Chapter Two 3. Chapter Three 4. Chapter Four 5. Chapter Five 6. Chapter Six 7. Chapter Seven 8. Chapter Eight 9. Chapter Nine 10. Chapter Ten 11. Chapter Eleven 12. Chapter Twelve 13. Chapter Thirteen 14. Chapter Fourteen 15. Chapter Fifteen 16. Chapter Sixteen 17. Chapter Seventeen 18. Chapter Eighteen 19. Chapter Nineteen 20. Chapter Twenty 21. Chapter Twenty-One Acknowledgments About the Author 1kitap1.com/en T Chapter One rain.

Fight. Survive. I remember almost nothing from last night. A couple of drinks at my local. The walk home. Then—nothing. Just this smell that fills my nostrils and makes my head spin, thick and rancid enough to choke on. It’s not vomit, thank God, my stomach couldn’t handle that on the best day.

No, this is worse. This is the stench of rotting flesh, the kind that clings to the back of your throat: roadkill baking in the summer sun, two days past dead and crawling with flies. I don’t open my eyes straight away.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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• Title: –
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• Pages: 336
• Language: English (en)

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