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

by Nisha J. Tuli

The ice-cold Star Queen of Celestria isn’t exactly my type. Not only because she hates everyone, but because she’s already been through seven bonded partners of various genders, all of whom succumbed to “mysterious” circumstances.

Idk im kinda into it

She was a queen-in-waiting—without the bond she’d be limited in her magic’s potential. She didn’t love the idea of being shackled to a single man, especially given the long lifespans of Fae, but she hoped Atlas was liberal in his views. She’d invited more than her fair share of men to her bed, and she intended to keep it that way. There was no single Fae who would ever satisfy all of her needs. Atlas had better know his way around a female’s body and not simply rely on his position to dazzle and then entrap his sexual partners. If he proved worthy, she might even allow him to join her from time to time.

Of course, she was beautiful. She didn’t need this male to validate that. He made it sound like he was doing her a favor by noticing.

What she needed was a partner who looked the part but knew when to keep his mouth shut.

It’s as though her spirit has always understood her legacy and her purpose.

She behaves exactly like a queen. A slightly wild one with a short fuse, but a queen nonetheless.

Aren’t you the prince of this drafty tomb? Just tell them to mind their own business.”

A well-fed populace is one that’s less likely to rebel or cause trouble.

Not ominous at all

His style is more about fear and intimidation. The withholding of basic needs. After all, if everyone is too happy, how would he control them? There are constant rumors of rebellion throughout the realm, but instead of addressing their concerns, he chooses force and steel.”

“This is my ‘I was just fucked in that room by an asshole' face.”

“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.”

She’d never really understood children. They made her vaguely uncomfortable, like animals who might bite, or worse, cry when they got spooked.

“Oh, to have the confidence of a male born to privilege.”

you wanted to take it slowly and I’m trying to earn your trust.” I cock my head. “By giving me orgasms?” He grins, and the smile transforms his face. I didn’t even know he was capable of such a boyish smile. “I figure it can’t hurt.”

“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. He was watching your ass as you walked away.” I blow out a breath, puffing a lock of hair out of my eyes. “Is this what you’re going to be like now?” “This is how I always was. I’m just not hiding it anymore.”

“You’re going to ruin me, too, Inmate,” he says softly, making me realize I just said at least part of that out loud. “Lucky for you, we’ll go down in the blaze together.”

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.

“But that slightly unhinged spirit makes you kind of loveable,”

“Technically, I’m queen of this dump, and I’ll allow it.”

“This is going to be a disaster.” “Not if we have a plan,” I snap. “Do you have one?” “No. Not yet. But we’ll figure something out. We have to.”