The Courtesan's Stolen Crown

Prologue

ASHLAND

“You must kill them all—each and every one,” my ailing father says, his husk of a voice raspy and tired. “Tell me you’ll eradicate their bloodline.”

In my hands, the weight of my sword grows unbearable. The iridescent jewel in the pommel illuminates against the velvet sky. “I’ve shed enough blood for your cause.”

“The curse won’t be denied.”

An aching bitterness wraps its claws around me. “Fuck you and the curse.” I drop the bloodied blade to the barren earth, where its light shudders like a dying heartbeat.

“The curse will consume you like it did your grandfather and his grandfather before you.”

“Then I’ll leave these fae-forsaken lands.”

“You cannot outrun fate—would you leave your people without a king? Without someone to defend them?”

“I’ve done enough for them. For you.”

“You haven’t even started, boy.”

Looking out across the desolate land littered with crumpled bodies, I exhale a breath. Irreparable loss spears my thoughts as I focus on those responsible for the carnage. “I hate them.”