Quinn
I’ve been accused of being a stubborn Lady who frequents the river Denial . No idea where anyone gets that idea.
I mean, I only began The Quest’s second challenge with a huge secret. One I refused to even think about or acknowledge. And I gave Elle writer’s block any time she even tried to include the truth—that scene—in this book or the first. So, sue me.
In a world where rich, powerful men feel they can lay claim to women and their bodies, I needed to hold onto that moment. Throughout this book, I defended my right to keep it as mine. Because that’s what it is. Mine . And alright, Landon’s, too, I guess. A little bit.
It’s interesting, don’t you think? How our preconceived notions, like starting a book hearing me imply that I’m a virgin, and what’s going on around us, like the distraction of possible swords crossing, can shape what we take away from something. What we believe about a person—who they are, and what they’ve experienced.
Some of you may not have realized my truth. But maybe you caught it early, when I couldn’t push the memories away. Or, at the end, when I pointed out how Landon protected me because he didn’t say anything at the Maiden Appeal. Maybe it’s hitting you right now. Either way, I’m curious how obvious the truth appears upon rereading this book, knowing what you know now.
After all, the only difference between bright white and pitch black is illumination…
Elle has the scene and will share it with you one day, once I decide I’m ready for that. It has caused her a bit of stress (she’s so anxious, that one), but ultimately, she feels ruffling any feathers is worth giving me the right to choose.
But...I hope your feathers aren’t ruffled.
By now, I hope you care enough about me (and those three broody assholes) to see why holding onto that moment matters to me. Or, that you understand how it feels to live in a world that takes so much from women—that takes so much from all of us—to accept my choice.
If you don’t, that’s okay. All I can do is honor my truth, no matter how anyone else feels about it. I hope you always do the same with yours.
Thank you for reading my story,