Tower Of Thorns Read online

  "But no friends better than us, right?" Marigold asks.

  Ella laughs. "Of course not. You three are the best of them."

  She doesn't even skip a beat before including me in with the other two, and it doesn't go unnoticed by me.

  "When's Gavin coming?" Ella asks me, diverting the conversation.

  "In about ten minutes, I think," I say, standing up and collecting a few of the measuring tapes and pins that have fallen out of my sewing box.

  "Then we'd better get going. We have a ball to get ready for anyway." Nerves flash across Ella's face.

  I reach out and give her hand a squeeze. "It isn't this one," I assure her.

  She smiles, then nods. "I know."

  Marigold collects her things, and Helena joins them. Each of the girls hug me as they leave, making me promise I'll meet them once the dancing begins.

  I stare at the door after they've left. I don't think I ever expected to make any friends like these here, though I'm beyond glad I did.

  The door creaks open, and Gavin pops his head around. "Is it safe to come in?"

  I nod. "Though they've drunk all the tea."

  "Then it's a good job I told the maid to bring some more."

  My eyes widen. "You didn't?"

  He flashes me a devilish smile as he enters the room and shuts the door behind him. "Of course I did. She already knows I'm here most nights and doesn't say a word. And even if she did, what would anyone do about it?"

  I shake my head. "You're tempting fate."

  "Didn't you hear? I already did that. I tempted yours too." He pulls me into his arms, and I go willingly.

  "And we barely escaped," I point out, though with some affection.

  "But we did, didn't we?"

  The two of us sway from side to side, trapped in an odd quasi-dance. I love moments like this with him. They're so pure and beautiful. I can't wait for the rest of my life filled with them.

  "We did. But let's not tempt it too much." I go up on my tiptoes and press a kiss against his lips.

  He pulls me closer and deepens it. I relax into him, desperate for more, but knowing we shouldn't flout the academy rules too much.

  We break apart. "We have a ball to get ready for," I remind him.

  "Then why did you invite me up here beforehand? It seems like you're tempting some fate yourself there."

  I chuckle softly. "What can I say? I like the idea of you sneaking into my tower."

  "Good. Because I'll do that any time you like." He kisses the tip of my nose.

  It's easy to get lost in how perfect it is between us. I almost can't believe that my prophecy nearly came true, and it led to the most perfect thing I could have imagined.

  This is a chance at a good life, and I'm going to make the most of it.

  The End

  Thank you for reading Tower Of Thorns! The next story in the Once Upon An Academy series is Lilies Of Loss, which follows Marigold and is a twist on the Frog Prince Fairytale: http://books2read.com/liliesofloss.

  * * *

  You can also download a bonus scene from when Rapunzel and Briar (from Spindles and Spells) meet from Rapunzel’s point of view here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/amhfi97nfj

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for reading Tower Of Thorns, I hope you enjoyed it. I never planned for Rapunzel to be anything more than a side character in Spindles and Spells, but while I was writing, she took on a life of her own - as did some of the other characters. The Once Upon An Academy series will be following some of the characters that aren't part of the Grimm Academy series, including Marigold and Helena. In hindsight, I should perhaps have been able to guess that Rapunzel would take on a life of her own, as Tangled is one of my favourite Disney films (and one that helped me get through a hard point in my life) - so much so that anyone who loves the film may have noticed a small nod to it in Chapter 1.

  I've had a lot of fun writing Rapunzel and Gavin's story. As side characters in Spindles And Spells, they came across as a sweet coupole, and exploring how they met and fell in love has been a joy. They'll be appearing in other stories set at Grimm Academy too - including Ella's story, Pumpkins And Proms (a retelling of Cinderella) and Marigold's story, Lilies Of Loss (The Frog Prince).

  I also want to add a quick thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed the series so far, and to my beta readers for all their feedback!

  Also by Laura Greenwood

  Books in the Paranormal Council Universe

  The Paranormal Council Series (shifter romance, completed series)

  The Fae Queen Of Winter Trilogy (paranormal/fantasy)

  Fated Seasons: Spring Duology (paranormal/fantasy)

  Thornheart Coven Series (witch romance)

  Return Of The Fae Series (paranormal post-apocalyptic)

  Paranormal Criminal Investigations Series (urban fantasy mystery)

  MatchMater Paranormal Dating App Series (paranormal romance)

  The Necromancer Council Trilogy (urban fantasy)

  Standalone Stories From the Paranormal Council Universe

  * * *

  Books in the Obscure World

  Ashryn Barker Trilogy (urban fantasy, completed series)

  Grimalkin Academy: Kittens Series (paranormal academy, completed series)

  Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs Trilogy (paranormal academy, completed series)

  City Of Blood Trilogy (urban fantasy)

  Grimalkin Academy: Stakes Trilogy (paranormal academy)

  The Harpy Bounty Hunter Trilogy (urban fantasy)

  Bite Of The Past (paranormal romance)

  * * *

  Books in the Forgotten Gods World

  Consorts of the Goddess Trilogy (paranormal/mythology romance)

  Forgotten Gods Series (paranormal/mythology romance, completed series)

  * * *

  The Grimm World

  Grimm Academy Series (fairy tale academy)

  Fate Of The Crown Duology (Arthurian Academy)

  Once Upon An Academy Series (Fairy Tale Academy)

  * * *

  Other Series

  Untold Tales Series (urban fantasy fairy tales)

  The Dragon Duels Trilogy (urban fantasy dystopia)

  ME Contemporary Standalones (contemporary romance)

  Standalones

  Seven Wardens, co-written with Skye MacKinnon (paranormal/fantasy romance, completed series)

  The Firehouse Feline, co-written with Lacey Carter Andersen & L.A. Boruff (paranormal/urban fantasy romance)

  Kingdom Of Fairytales Snow White, co-written with J.A. Armitage (fantasy fairy tale)

  * * *

  Twin Souls Universe

  Twin Souls Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

  Dragon Soul Series, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

  The Renegade Dragons Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

  The Vampire Detective Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (urban fantasy mystery, completed series)

  Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries Series, co-written with Arizona Tape (urban fantasy)

  * * *

  Mountain Shifters Universe

  Valentine Pride Trilogy, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal shifter romance, completed series)

  Magic and Metaphysics Academy Trilogy, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal academy, completed series)

  Mountain Shifters Standalones, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal romance)

  * * *

  Audiobooks: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/audio.html

  About the Author

  Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal and fantasy romance. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking ridiculous amounts of tea, trying to resist French Macaroons, and watching the Pitch Perfect trilogy for the hundredth time (at least!)

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