Mbali_Xabela

The death of the High King’s only son initiates the King Trials; demanding the eldest pureblood from each Regnum. Aurora, the estranged and bastard-born daughter of Regnum Valwa, is the only female among eight other Herems. One of noble blood who lived her life in destitution, with her mother and her ill-stricken father and brother. She is blood-bound to compete in the King Trials on the bargain that if she represents Regnum Valwa, her father and brother will receive the treatment they so desperately need.

However, this is no easy feat, she is faced against ruthless rivals, dangerous mythological beings and creatures, forced to fight in bloody duels with an onslaught of death-defying challenges that forges a woman into a warrior; a scoundrel into a soldier. A chronicle of duty and bravery, a story brimming with riveting action, an enemies-to-lovers romance with war-provoking betrayals that reveal they are all pawns in a much larger game.

The King Trials: The Sajatai Saga

One positive aspect of the floor-length gown is that it has a halter neckline that conceals my neck and it's long-sleeved. The only negative aspect of this fortunate concealment is that its material wraps around my hypersensitive throat like a choker. The dress is simplistic elegance, my daggers hidden beneath the turquoise layers. The top section of my hair is braided into a plait. I freed the rest to fall past my shoulders. I swivel from the vanity, departing from the lit bedchamber.

Passing through the entranceway, Vince sidles my flank, and we walk down the vacant corridor of our annex. The outdoor lights guide our way to the palace.

"You look worth the wait," he says.

I glance back at him, spurning him with a single glance.

His eyes swell with mock fright before he turns his gaze forward.

"I only meant to say that you look beautiful."

"You Herems and your pretty words, mouthing superficial platitudes as a shellac over one's true nature."

Chapter 32