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read Sweet Briar, a scorching #forbiddenromancetrope Sleeping Beauty #fairytale retelling available in #kindleunlimited .
“Listen to me, princess. No harm will ever come to you again. As long as I’m alive, not one monster, whether human or beast, will so much as displace a single hair on your head. Understand?”
It would cost me my life, if I were to lose hers. But that isn’t why I said it. Or why I mean it with every fiber of my being.
Her lips turn up in a faint smile. That gorgeous mouth brushes my cheek with each syllable, as soft as a butterfly’s wings. My chest turns warm.
“Does that include your beastly friend?”
I yank the rope tight around her waist. She gasps. Regretting my actions, I loosen it. One second, I’m promising nothing will ever harm her, and the next, I’m the one hurting her.
She knows I can’t protect her from him. I promised to protect her from monsters. Not him. For all his faults, Alistair isn’t a monster.
But if she has a fraction of the power over him that she unwittingly wields over me, then she has the power to make him into one.
She settles into the double loops, one below her bottom, the other at her waist. Twisting her long hair into a knot, she ties a ribbon from her sleeve around it and glares at me. “You’re not as awful as you’re pretending to be.”
“You don’t know me at all, Princess.”
Her blue eyes narrow. “What are you so afraid of me knowing about you, Killian?”
“What’s taking so long?” Alistair shouts, breaking the spell before I can respond.
“Coming down now,” Briar calls out, but she hesitates, holding onto my shoulder and perched awkwardly on the wall. “I see your loyalty to the prince. I wonder what he’s done to deserve a man like you.”
She lets go of my shoulder and clambers over the wall, somehow managing to make the awkward
move look elegant. Then she twists to look at me over her shoulder, waiting for my signal.
A man like me.
What is that supposed to mean?
In 'Sweet Briar,' readers are introduced to a gripping narrative that intertwines dark fantasy with the timeless elements of a fairytale. The story revolves around themes of loyalty, protection, and the complexities of love, drawing readers into an enchanting realm where every character has secrets that shape their destiny. The protagonist, Killian, finds himself torn between his promises and the reality of the dangers around him. As he grapples with his feelings for the princess, tension mounts not only from external threats but also from his own identity. The deep-rooted emotions and challenges each character faces create a rich tapestry that makes ‘Sweet Briar’ more than just a retelling; it transforms into a profound exploration of fear, courage, and the nuances of love. The inclusion of the forbidden romance trope adds layers to the narrative, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of dark fantasy and romantic tales. Themes of loyalty are explored as Killian’s connection with the princess complicates the dynamics he has with other characters, particularly Alistair. This complexity unfolds throughout the story, keeping readers engaged as they witness the intertwining fates of the characters. Readers looking for a blend of fairytale nostalgia with dark fantasy elements will find this retelling both refreshing and hauntingly beautiful. 'Sweet Briar' captures the imagination and invites readers to reflect on the nature of love and sacrifice in its most raw forms.
