faerie · high lord · wild hunt · holly black · the wicked king · ancient · monstrous · honor code · fantasy · terrifying
Beneath the surface, Cardan laughs, his voice distorting through the water. "Such savagery." Jude nods, suppressing her relief at being sent away from the sea. She speaks of repaying Orlagh, of refusing idleness. Cardan’s black hair floats around his face, thorns on his arms resembling spiky fish fins. "Look at me, Jude," he commands. She gazes up, startled when he orders, "Kiss me." She questions his relationship with Orlagh or Nicasia; he dismisses it. Hesitating risks suspicion, so Jude presses her lips to his. The water is cold, but his kiss is colder. After a moment, she pulls back. He wipes his mouth, disgusted, yet greed shines in his eyes. "Now kiss me as though I were Cardan," he demands, testing her control.