The Jasmine Throne (The Burning Kingdoms, #1)

by Tasha Suri

“Stop,” said Bhumika. “Stop, stop, please stop. Pri. Priya.” She pressed her cheek to Priya’s own. Her skin was wet, with water and tears. “He’s gone, Priya.” “No. No, he’s not.” “He’s gone,” Bhumika said again, and Priya knew she was right. She could feel the absence of him. The silence in the sangam. “He’s gone.”

She could make herself something monstrous. She could be a creature born of poison and pyre, flame and blood. She had told Aditya that when

the opportunity to seize power came—to wield it—the opportunity had to be taken and held and used. If he would not wield it, she would.