CRUEL KING

Prologue Montéry Palace, Targat With a trembling hand resting on the shawl covering her neck and shoulders, Anisha was torn between terror and hatred. In this immense hall with its impressive pillars and imposing throne, she waited. It was here that all the kingdom's important decisions were taken, and it was here that her miserable fate would be decided. She looked so small, so insignificant, draped in her long white chiton, typical dress of her island. The two guards who had escorted her so far had stepped aside, leaving her to face her fate alone. Her large amber eyes widened with fright, as soon as the thunderous sound of the two magisterial doors behind her was heard. _ The court! Solemnly announced the herald, who was stationed not far from her, holding a large flag with the coat of arms of the Orburg dynasty. Assertive, heavy footsteps built up the white marble floor. Steps that brought Anisha a little closer to the man she hated most in the world. The man she would have killed with her own hands if given the chance. Her blood was boiling in her veins, making her heart beat at a frantic pace. The moment of truth had arrived, and her inability to kill herself earlier weighed on her like never before. Anisha would have liked it, though. She would have preferred a thousand deaths to having to kneel before the tyrant who would soon face her. In front of this heartless, black-souled assassin. Discreetly, she scanned her surroundings to see if she could deprive a guard of his sword. With it, she could have pierced this monster's heart. Just as he had done for Clarence. To his regret, no one was close enough, and all the men present kept a firm grip on the pommel of their weapon. His breath shortened immediately. The footsteps had stopped just behind her. Without even turning around, Anisha could feel a powerful presence towering over her. Today, fate would judge her future. And she knew it, the grace of death was out of the question for her. The fate of the widow of a defeated prince belonged to the one who had slain him. In this case, it was Helias, the most cruel and bloodthirsty king the kingdom of Targat had ever borne. Far from being a ruler who grew up in comfort and silks, Helias D'Orburg was born with a sword in his hand. From an early age, he was said to be well-versed in combat techniques and an expert in war strategy. A veteran, surrounded by a cruel army, ready to follow him into death and even the underworld, if he asked them to. Anisha kept her head down, her long black hair partly pulled back over her face to conceal it. The footsteps resumed and continued towards the dais, where stood an enormous golden armchair, quilted in a rich, flowery fabric. _ Prostrate yourself before your king! ordered a man, probably a guard accompanying the sovereign, who was still standing behind the young woman. Anisha's legs twitched in fear, but her heart forbade her to give in. In protest, she kept her eyes fixed on the large windows that ran the length of one wall and overlooked a majestic courtyard. _ Are you deaf ?! said the man, who immediately grabbed her by the shoulder and forced her to put her knees to the ground. Anisha's tears threatened to flow, but she bit her lip hard. The iron grip on her flesh gave her a foretaste of what lay ahead. Mortified, she felt Helias' gaze wander over her, as one feels the breeze or the warm rays of the sun on one's skin. Only here, the sensation was biting like ice and its intensity burning like fire. _ Don't tire yourself out, Callen," rose a calm voice, so deep that it struck a chord in Anisha, while at the same time sounding strangely familiar. This renegade is just like her traitorous husband: disloyalty runs in their blood. Helias had just risen from his seat and was walking back towards her. Her whole body began to tremble at that moment. Her hands became clammy and her heart threatened to leap out of her chest. If she hadn't been held still, she would have run away. And just as she was expecting to be manhandled, the sovereign stooped down to her level and lifted her chin with his big, rough hand. He examined her for a moment, while Anisha tried to maintain a semblance of consistency. Helias had the beauty of the devil and his immensely powerful body made her shiver with fear. She understood better how her husband could have been defeated. How could it have been otherwise? This man was built for battle, and his impressive hands could have crushed a neck with ease. _ Is this what my cousin's wife looks like? d'Orburg continued in that same calm, bewitching voice. I'm heard you've tried to take your own life twice since you've been here. It's a sign of weakness and cowardice. Do you know that? Are you like that coward Clarence? _ Clarence isn't a coward, the young woman hissed angrily while he held her face. This flash of valour made the sovereign smile, so vain was it. _ If you say so. In the meantime, you belong to me and I have decided to make you my servant. Anisha's eyes widened in horror. _ I'm sure my cousin will appreciate your new position from where he stands. And perhaps the turpitudes he'll experience seeing you returned to your destitute condition will spur him to reborn brave and loyalty. _ You might as well kill me now, because I'll never be your servant," said Anisha, releasing her chin. Helias' storm-gray eyes sparkled at these words. _ Oh yes, you will. And in the most devoted way. If you don't, all the girls on your island will be taken as war tribute and distributed like common slaves to my men. Anisha swallowed hard to face this cruel character. So Helias was living up to the reputation Clarence had painted to her...