Court of Anguish (Courts and Kings #6)

Prologue

“There is no escaping us now, Elara,” the male sneers, his voice echoing around my private room, one they have turned into a prison.

I was surprised that they didn’t want the succubi to witness my violation and humiliation.

It would surely do well to break them and keep them in line, but the males of this court were never smart, hence why they weren’t a true threat . . .

Or so we thought.

Our confidence was our downfall, and because of it, my life lies in ruins. My family is gone, my title was stolen, and my home was ravaged and tainted.

All that I had are only memories now, every jewel and silk gown in this room a wicked reminder of what I deemed crucial before this.

Now, all I want is freedom—freedom and revenge.

“You dare use my name,” I hiss, sitting up in the Chinese silk sheets I spent months selecting.

My chain hisses like a snake, slithering mockingly as I move.

I am nothing more than a toy to them when I was once everything.

My bejewelled corset and underwear leave little to the imagination and are meant to dishonour and shame me, but my body has never been something to cover.

If they think stripping me of my clothes, title, and jewels would weaken me, then they are wrong.

My body is a temple.

The power of the title lies within me, not the spoken words.

I am rethia.

“You forget, rethia . . .” He mockingly uses my title as he speaks. What was once sacred is now a joke. “You are no longer in charge. You have no title here. You are ours now, and you will obey.”

“Me? Obey?” My smirk is vicious. “Never. You can take my body, home, and bloodline, but you will never take my strength. Do your worst, false king, and when you are through, I will still be a queen.”

His grin is suggestive and cruel as he reaches for his belt, heading my way. “Let’s see, shall we?”