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

by Nisha J. Tuli

“That was before I realized we’d be harboring a prisoner who behaves like a rabid child,” he snarls, and I bark out a gleeful laugh that definitely makes him angrier.

It’s addictive. The way she hates me. The way she burns with that fire that glows so white hot, I ache whenever she looks at me.

“You’ll be fine. The ice hounds will keep the things that go bump in the night away.” “What if the thing that goes bump in the night is sitting on the horse with me?”

This time I do yank my hand from his, and storm off, having no clue where I’m going, but wanting to distance myself from Nadir. I stop and look around. I need a drink. There’s clearly plenty of alcohol here. A moment later, I feel a warm arm circle my waist, followed by the prince’s low voice in my ear. “What’s the matter?”

“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.”

“You will be the most powerful, Serce,” he said, his words low and dangerous. “And I will stand beside you—my queen, my heart, my mate—and help you take it all.”

There’s a disconcerting sense that I’ve found something I’ve lost. Like I’ve come home.

“Put your arms around my waist. The more of you touching me, the better.” I raise an eyebrow at that, but don’t comment as I obey his request. “Good girl,” he says and then gives me a surprised look, as though he hadn’t meant to say that.

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.

“Isn’t she perfect?” She looks at me, her face shining and a knowing glint in her eye. “Yes,” I say, my voice rough. “Perfect.” Absolutely fucking perfect.

“You are so fucking sexy in this dress. I just about passed out when you walked into the room.” “Who are you?” I ask, looking up at him, completely overwhelmed. “I am your worst nightmare,

“I think I’ll have him killed.” Nadir takes a casual sip of his drink, and I choke on mine. “Why?” “I don’t like the way he was looking at you.

“And you’re wrong. There’s one other person I care about.” “Who?” I ask. “You.”

“You said you wouldn’t touch me unless I asked?” He nods, his eyes scanning me. “You let me hold your hand today,” he says.

When did I start to care about this woman who should mean nothing to me? The moment I laid eyes on her, that’s when. Fuck.

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.

“I told you the Fae are territorial, and I have no interest in anyone else. As long as there’s the slightest chance you’ll let me touch you again, I have eyes only for you.”

Overhead, the lights are flowing across the sky in rippling ribbons of color. “It’s so beautiful,” I say. “It is,” Nadir agrees, but when I look at him, he’s staring intently at me.

“Let’s get a fire going. You think your ancestors will mind if we use the floor in here?” I look around, wondering if their ghosts are watching over us right now. “Technically, I’m queen of this dump, and I’ll allow it.”

“You’re mine, Lor. You might not believe it yet, but you are, and I’m not going to let that monster touch you ever again.”

“I’m not yours! I am mine!“

“I don’t know what happened,” she says with awe as I struggle to my feet. “That’s my girl,” I whisper.

“What have I told you? I’m with you until the end. You’re not going anywhere without me.”