Rule of the Aurora King (Artefacts of Ouranos, #2)

by Nisha J. Tuli

“I don’t know what that bastard did to you, but I’m going to help you get your crown, Heart Queen, and I’m going to make him pay. For all of it.” With that chilling declaration echoing in my head, I drift off to sleep.

We’re both caught in a trance, our breaths the only sounds in the room. But I’ve never felt more at peace than I do right now. I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own body. There’s a disconcerting sense that I’ve found something I’ve lost. Like I’ve come home.

“Lor,” he whispers. His voice is soft, but there’s something as jagged as torn iron buried in that single syllable. He said my name. My actual name and I’ve never loved the sound of it more than I do at this moment. That simple, nothing name that was given to me to keep me as anonymous and unremarkable as possible. Somehow, he makes it sound like it’s a name forged in fire and created for a queen.

My father stands, pressing his hands to the desk, his eyes going black. “If I catch wind of that little weasel Etienne anywhere near my soldiers—“ “Don’t finish that thought,” I growl. “Do not threaten any of my friends.” Rion narrows his eyes before he rounds the desk to stand in front of me. He’s broader than I am, but a few inches shorter. He tugs the hem of his jacket, the only tell that he’s been thrown off by this conversation. “Friends,” he scoffs. “Friends are only a weakness. Surely you know that by now.” “Spoken like someone who’s never had a genuine one in his life.”

It’s then my eyes alight on the most stunning dress I’ve ever seen. The material is bright red, the neckline low, with a bodice that laces up the back. I circle the mannequin, admiring the fall of the long red skirt, and I think of the stone encased in the locket around my neck. Red. The color of home. Of the legacy that was taken. Of the rivers of blood that will run from the Aurora King when I finally get my revenge. “This one,” I say. “I want this one.”

The royal family wears black. Nadir’s companions wear black. But I am not his conquest. I am not his to claim. I’m not part of their royal line. I have my own family. And I am my own fucking castle.

You are my star, my moon, my heart. I want to love you and fuck you and cherish you for every day of my life.

It isn’t magic you need to get at your power, Lor. It’s you. The only one preventing you from accessing it is you.” “That’s not true,” I hiss, tearing my arm away. “I want this more than anyone.” He steps in closer, his hand tipping up my chin. “I know you do, but you’re so scared of your past. Of what will happen if anyone sees what you’re capable of, that you’re locking yourself away.”