THE ASHEN COURT

ANIKA VALERION

Prince Audrey.

The name echoed in my mind as I stared down at the still face on the table.

My eyes traced his face, lingering on every familiar detail. Sharp cheekbones. Thin lips. The same black hair.

“No.” The word ripped out my throat. “I will not bind myself to him. I refuse.”

The True-Blooded with the white streak in his hair tilted his head, assessing me with an unimpressed expression. “You have no choice, Sovereign-to-be. The rites will proceed.”

I stepped closer to the table, fury and disgust rising so hard my vision blurred.

“This man was betrothed to my mother,” I spat. “Prince...