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

"You've returned," I say, taking tiny steps toward him. Bracing myself—the equilibrium of my world shifted.

"I will always return for what is mine." He makes a verbal retreat. "What I am duty-bound to protect," he says factually.

My eyes consume his appearance, each prominent feature weaving into my mind. His hair is freshly cut, the center is slicked back; the sides trimmed short, only flaunting those mountain peak cheekbones.

"You said three days." The words spew from my mouth. "I feel as though three eternities have passed."

A smirk splices into his lips. "Missed me that dearly?"

"Missed the extra protection." The words fell before I could even catch them.

"Why?" His face grows grim. "Did something happen?"

"No," I blurt. To divert, I say, "I trust that your endeavor was successful?"

Visibly reluctant, he bites. "Lengthened because of an outbreak of a new strain of the plague. The Black Death."

Chapter 34